Tyler Kummer

Tyler Kummer serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Biology within Brigham Young University's College of Life Sciences, where he teaches undergraduate biology courses and contributes to departmental educational resources including the Evolution Packet and mentored research programs. His office is located at 2056B LSB in Provo, Utah, with contact via tyler.kummer@byu.edu.

His research program centers on biology education with specialized focus on evolutionary biology pedagogy, assessment design, and cognitive mechanisms in science learning. He investigates persistent student misconceptions in complex topics like phylogenetic tree interpretation (tree-thinking) and gene expression, developing concept inventories to measure understanding while exploring how instructional strategies impact conceptual change. His work bridges cognitive psychology principles with practical classroom applications to enhance student mastery of challenging biological concepts.

Analysis of his publication history reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining assessment-driven learning, particularly how testing formats influence higher-order cognitive skills. His studies consistently address the tension between active learning methodologies and traditional assessment approaches, with significant contributions to understanding misconceptions in evolutionary biology education through longitudinal and experimental designs.

Dr. Kummer actively contributes to curriculum development through backward design methodologies and departmental educational resources, though specific advising activities or grant funding details are not documented in the provided materials. His scholarly impact is evident through multiple publications investigating fundamental challenges in biology education without mention of formal scientific awards.