Kathleen A. Marrs

Kathleen A. Marrs, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biology at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) School of Science. She holds leadership roles such as the former Interim Executive Associate Dean of the IUPUI Honors College and Director of the Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship program. Her academic background includes postdoctoral work at Stanford University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, along with a B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Her research focuses on science education innovation, particularly Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER), High-Impact Practices (HIPs), and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). These initiatives aim to enhance student engagement and success in STEM fields through active learning and evidence-based pedagogy. She has developed CUREs for gateway biology courses, integrating authentic research into curricula to foster collaboration and scientific inquiry.

Dr. Marrs has secured over $6 million in external grants, including major NSF awards for STEM education programs like the Midwest PULSE Network and GK-12 Urban Educators Program. Her professional service spans roles on the School of Science Faculty Steering Committee, the IU Indianapolis Faculty Council, and national organizations such as the PULSE Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education.

She has received numerous accolades, including the DUE Epitome Award, Distinguished Advisor Award, and recognition as a Favorite Professor by multiple IU athletic teams. Her work emphasizes educational equity and institutional transformation to support diverse student populations in STEM.