Heather Vance-Chalcraft

Dr. Heather Vance-Chalcraft serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University, leading the Vance-Chalcraft Lab dedicated to advancing Biology Education Research. Her work bridges educational theory and classroom practice through evidence-based strategies for enhancing undergraduate science learning.

Research Focus:

• Design and evaluation of community-engaged learning frameworks
• Implementation of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)
• Development of scientific literacy and team science competencies
• Analysis of peer collaboration dynamics in research settings
• Participatory science approaches connecting curricula to real-world issues

Employing mixed-methods research, her lab investigates how authentic research integration transforms student engagement and learning outcomes in biology education. This work contributes significantly to Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) through practical classroom applications.

Scientific Recognition:

• No specific awards documented in current materials

Mentorship & Resources:

As tenured faculty, Dr. Vance-Chalcraft mentors graduate students and secures research funding for educational innovation. While grant details aren't specified, her lab actively develops and assesses novel pedagogical models for biology instruction.

Research Infrastructure:

The Vance-Chalcraft Lab operates within ECU's Life Sciences and Biotechnology Building, serving as a hub for educational research that connects university resources with community science initiatives through structured engagement frameworks.