Lina Dahlberg

Lina Dahlberg is a Professor of Biology at Western Washington University (WWU), specializing in cell biology and biology education. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Washington (2008) and completed postdoctoral training at Tufts University (2009-2013) as a NIH IRACDA fellow. Her academic roles include serving as the first Community Ambassador for WWU's Biology department and leading Inclusion and Social Mindfulness in STEM workshops. She has conducted research in Denmark multiple times through Fulbright and NovoNordisk Foundation grants.

• Educations:
• B.S., Biology, Haverford College (2001)
• Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Washington (2008)

Her dual research focuses are: 1) Protein quality control mechanisms in C. elegans using ER-associated degradation (ERAD) studies, and 2) Biology education innovation, including lab course design and diversity initiatives. She has pioneered classroom techniques using FLIM microscopy and C. elegans models while advocating for inclusive STEM environments.

Her recent articles emphasize C. elegans cellular imaging, biology education frameworks, and ubiquitin pathways. Notable awards include the 2018 Peter J. Elich Teaching Award and multiple Fulbright grants. She actively mentors over 30 undergraduate/graduate researchers, integrating lab experiences with metacognitive skill development.

Current collaborations include the Ellgaard Lab (Denmark), WWU's Stephenson and Huynh groups (NSF-funded introductory science curriculum studies), and the Cell Biology Education Consortium. Laboratory facilities focus on fluorescence microscopy and C. elegans behavior analysis.