Kathy Burleson

Kathy Burleson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Hamline University's College of Liberal Arts, with affiliate faculty status in the Public Health program. Her academic focus spans cancer biology and science pedagogy, emphasizing the intersection of science and societal issues.

Education:

• BA in Biochemistry from The College of St. Scholastica
• PhD in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics from the University of Minnesota

Research interests center on science accessibility, hypothesis-driven learning, and representation of social issues in anatomy/physiology textbooks. She also investigates microbial interactions in cosmetics and tumor spheroid behavior in ovarian cancer.

Key article themes include microbiology education (2011), ovarian cancer metastasis mechanisms (2001-2006), and biomarker identification (2004). Her publications reflect a blend of laboratory science and pedagogical innovation.

Scientific awards:

• Anna Arnold Hedgeman Center Outstanding Faculty Award
• Spectrum Violet Award for LGBTQIA+ support
• John Wesley Trustee Award
• Hamline College of Liberal Arts Alumni Board Outstanding Faculty Award

Dr. Burleson leads diversity initiatives in science education and founded the DEI Committee for the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society. She serves as a reviewer/editor for the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, and organizes extracurricular science engagement activities like movie nights tied to course themes.