Erica Kosal

Dr. Erica Kosal is an Associate Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Life Sciences First Year Program (LSFY) at North Carolina State University. She teaches courses like Introductory Biology: Ecology & Evolution & Biodiversity (BIO 181) and Critical & Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences (LSC 101), while overseeing LSFY's 600-700 incoming life sciences students annually. Her research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning, including case study development and classroom assessment strategies. She has mentored students in research projects, such as Chay Beeson's published evolutionary medicine case study in The American Biology Teacher.

Education: PhD (Zoology) and MS (Ecology) from NC State University, BS (Zoology) from Michigan State University. Awards include the 2023 Carrie McLean Advising Administrator Award for her work in student advising and program leadership.

LSFY initiatives include annual events like Conservation with a Scientist forums, major exploration workshops, and an art competition. Dr. Kosal emphasizes community building and student transition support through programs like LSFY Connect social hours and faculty meet-and-greets.

She has trained students as teaching assistants (e.g., Allie Parascandola, Day Steed) and learning assistants, fostering skills in leadership, communication, and pedagogy. Her work bridges classroom innovation with student success in STEM fields.