Jennifer Nauen

Jennifer Nauen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware, part of the College of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Undergraduate Program Director, focusing on curriculum development and foundational biology education. Her research expertise spans experimental design, biomechanics of aquatic locomotion, and marine biology.

Education:

• B.A. (Double Major in Biology and English Literature) from Mount Holyoke College
• M.S. and Ph.D. (Marine Biology) from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego
• Postdoctoral training at University of California, Irvine and Harvard University

Teaching: Leads courses including Introductory Biology (Honors/Regular), Human Heredity, and Physiology. Supervises undergraduate teaching assistants in laboratory settings.

Research Focus: Investigates hydrodynamic forces in fish locomotion, crustacean escape mechanisms, and bioluminescent responses in marine organisms. Recent work emphasizes application of biomechanical principles to educational curricula.

Awards:

• National Academies Education Mentor in Life Sciences (2011–2019)

Professional Activities: Served as mentor in national education initiatives and contributed to fisheries impact studies. Active in developing innovative flow visualization techniques using bioluminescent organisms.