Megan Barker

Megan Barker is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Her role involves teaching foundational biology courses such as BISC 101 General Biology, with upcoming courses scheduled for Summer and Fall 2025. Her research focuses on improving undergraduate STEM education through evidence-based practices, particularly in active learning strategies and addressing barriers caused by scientific jargon.

Dr. Barker has contributed to studies analyzing teaching practices across biology curricula, including the impact of group work and worksheets on student learning outcomes. Her work also explores discrepancies between student self-assessment and actual performance with technical vocabulary. She has co-authored reviews on physiology education emphasizing student-centered approaches.

Her earlier research involved molecular biology studies on alpha-glucosidase I structure and function, contributing to understanding N-glycosylation pathways. Despite transitioning to education-focused work, her foundational research highlights interdisciplinary expertise in both science and pedagogy.