معرفی
David W. Rudge is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University with a joint appointment at The Mallinson Institute for Science Education. He also serves as an affiliate faculty member in WMU's Department of Philosophy. His research focuses on how the history and philosophy of science, particularly evolutionary biology, can inform science teaching methodologies.
Rudge earned his Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. His academic journey includes positions as Assistant Professor (1999-2005), Associate Professor (2005-2018), and Professor (2018-present) at Western Michigan University. Prior to WMU, he held temporary positions at Iowa State University and Texas A&M University.
Dr. Rudge's research interests center on the role of history and philosophy of science in science education. He has extensively studied how historical narratives, particularly those related to evolutionary biology and the nature of science, can enhance student understanding of scientific concepts. His work often examines case studies such as industrial melanism, the discovery of DNA structure, and the history of plate tectonics to develop effective teaching strategies.
His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on using historical case studies to teach the nature of science. His work explores topics including course-based undergraduate research experiences, online delivery of science education, penicillin resistance, plate tectonics, and Rosalind Franklin's contributions to DNA discovery, showing a progression toward more explicit and reflective approaches to teaching the nature of science.
- WMU Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award (2023-2024)
- Michigan Science Teacher Association College Science Teacher of the Year (2022)
- WMU College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Achievement Award in Teaching (2017-18)
- Dr. Darrell R. Latva Biological Sciences Teaching Excellence Award (2017)
Dr. Rudge has secured significant grant funding for science education research, including an NSF Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Teacher Preparation Grant as Principal Investigator from 2002-2008. He has served as President of the International History, Philosophy and Science Teaching Group and as project director for multiple science education initiatives. He currently serves on the advisory board of WMU's Center for the Humanities and as Director of the Executive Board of the WMU Faculty Senate.
