Melanie Householder

Senior Lecturer Melanie Householder teaches in the Department of Kinesiology at Whittier College, focusing on human anatomy, physiology, and health. A former registered nurse, she integrates experiential labs, student-drawn anatomical illustrations, and the Anatomy.TV software into her courses to enhance learning. Her innovative teaching earned the 2021 Nerhood Teaching Award for academic rigor and student support. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Whittier College, an M.S. in Biology from St. Joseph’s University, and nursing licensures (LVN and RN).

• Education:
• B.S. Biology, Whittier College
• M.S. Biology, St. Joseph’s University
• LVN and RN Licensures in Nursing

Her research interests emphasize anatomical visualization, interdisciplinary health studies, and accessible medical education. Colleagues praise her use of original illustrations and student-led drawing exercises to deepen understanding of human anatomy. During the pandemic, her remote teaching strategies, including the Anatomy.TV software funded by a Whittier Innovates Grant, ensured continuity in visual learning.

Awards:

• 2021 Nerhood Teaching Award

Advising & Grants:

Householder mentors pre-health students (pre-nursing, pre-PA, pre-first responder) and advises Kinesiology majors. She secured a Whittier Innovates Grant (2020) to provide campus-wide access to Anatomy.TV, enhancing online anatomy education. As a first-year mentor, she supports student transitions and champions diversity/inclusion aligned with Whittier’s values.

Labs/Teams:

Her courses utilize the Anatomy.TV platform and hands-on labs to explore human movement and health through interdisciplinary lenses.