Cissy J. Ballen

Cissy J. Ballen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, College of Sciences and Mathematics. She leads the Ballen Lab, a research group dedicated to discipline-based education research (DBER) in undergraduate biology, focusing on equity, inclusivity, and evidence-based teaching practices. Her work investigates how classroom dynamics, role models, assessment strategies, and ideological awareness shape student learning and success in STEM.

Her research interests include:

• Biology Education Research and STEM Equity
• Evidence-Based and Inclusive Teaching Strategies
• Role Models and Representation in Science Education
• Ideological Awareness in Introductory Biology
• Impact of High-Stakes Assessments and Class Size
• Curriculum Development for Non-Majors and Underrepresented Students

Dr. Ballen’s recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on humanizing scientists, promoting diversity in science representation, and critically examining societal and ideological influences in biology curricula. Her work frequently employs mixed-methods, meta-analyses, and large-scale collaborations to assess the effectiveness of inclusive teaching practices and their impact on student engagement and performance.

She has received significant recognition and funding, including:

• National Science Foundation (NSF) grants: IUSE, RCN (EDU-STEM), and STEM Ed Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Inclusive Excellence in STEM (IES) Award, Auburn University (2022)
• Totten Geoscience Education Research Award, Geological Society of America (2019)
• Carlock Awards for her graduate students

Dr. Ballen is a dedicated mentor and advisor to a cohort of graduate and undergraduate students, including Emily Driessen, Robin Costello, and Sharday Ewell. She collaborates with a national network of researchers, such as those from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the University of Bergen. Her lab, the Ballen Lab, is an active hub for DBER, supported by multiple NSF grants including the DataVersify project, which studies the impact of diversified and humanized scientist role models in undergraduate biology courses.