Laci M. Gerhart

Laci M. Gerhart is an Assistant Professor in the College of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Davis, specializing in Evolution and Ecology. With a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas (2013), Gerhart focuses on integrating technology into undergraduate education to enhance active learning and connect students to real-world science.

• B.S. in Biology, University of Kansas (2002)
• Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas (2013)

Gerhart’s research explores the impact of educational tools like iNaturalist, Canvas, and Gradescope on student engagement. They also examine urban ecology through the Wild Davis course, which certifies students in the UC California Naturalist Program.

Scientific awards include the Madison and Lila Self Graduate Fellowship and participation in the NSF-funded C-CHANGE IGERT program, which earned a certificate in Environmental Studies in 2012. Gerhart teaches BIS 002B: Introduction to Biology, EVE 016: Wild Davis, and EVE 120: Global Change Ecology, emphasizing evidence-based teaching and community science.