Kirsten Larson

Kirsten Larson, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Drexel University College of Medicine. As a full-time educator, she specializes in curriculum development, course direction, and interdisciplinary team leadership, focusing on medical genetics, immunology, and experiential learning. She holds roles such as thread director for immunology and genetics, co-director of Foundations of Disease, and leads courses in the Pre-medical and Pre-health (PMPH) Division and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Larson earned her PhD from Mayo Graduate School in 1996. Her research interests transitioned from asthma and eosinophil biology to medical education, emphasizing flipped classrooms, peer evaluation, and professionalism. Prior work included cloning eosinophil genes and studying adhesion molecules in allergic reactions.

Her awards include multiple Golden Apple Awards for teaching, Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching, and induction into Alpha Omega Alpha. She actively contributes to Discovery Day and the Drexel Pathway to Medical School program, fostering education across graduate, medical, and undergraduate levels.

Dr. Larson collaborates with the Institute for Molecular Medicine & Infectious Disease and the Biomedical Science Programs, integrating basic and clinical science. Her work promotes interdisciplinary education and student feedback mechanisms to enhance professionalism and patient safety.