معرفی
Elena Pravosudova is a Teaching Professor and Associate Biology Department Chair at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she has worked since 2007. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, she transitioned from research in ornithology and behavioral ecology to focus on undergraduate education, co-founding the Peer Instruction Program in 2008 and serving as University Curriculum Committee Chair for five years.
- Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (1999) – Ohio State University
- M.S. and B.S. in Zoology (1983) – Leningrad University (now St. Petersburg University)
Her work emphasizes active learning pedagogy and curriculum development. While her early research focused on avian social dynamics and genetics, her current efforts center on improving student success in biology education through peer-led discussion groups, flipped classrooms, and pandemic-era remote learning adaptations. Her scholarship includes collaborations with institutions like Truckee Meadows Community College.
Recent publications analyze active learning techniques in high-enrollment biology courses, with keywords spanning education, pedagogy, and student engagement. Sub-fields include peer instruction programs, flipped classroom models, remote learning solutions, curriculum design, STEM education, and multi-institutional pedagogical collaborations.
- NSHE Regents’ Academic Advising Award (2013)
- F Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher Award (2020)
- NSHE Regents’ Teaching Award (2023)
- Repeated Westfall Scholar Mentor and Senior Scholar Mentor recognitions
Pravosudova has advised numerous students and mentored junior faculty through the Biology Leadership Community Summit. She has led curriculum development initiatives and presented on teaching innovations at conferences including the Pearson Biology Leadership Community Summit and STEM Teaching and Education Conference. Her work includes grants for educational technology integration and multi-institutional peer instruction programs.
