Melissa Gutierrez

Melissa Gutierrez is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Science and Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi. She teaches core undergraduate biology courses including BSC 103, BSC 110, BSC 111, BSC 201, BSC 305, and BSC 340, which cover topics in biological principles, evolution, ecology, and zoology.

Education:

• PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi (2023)
• MS in Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi (2010)
• BS in Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi (2006)

Her research and pedagogical interests center on science education, particularly biology education, online learning environments, active learning strategies, and the flipped classroom model. She also has a strong background in environmental science and ecology, with published work on fish behavior and evolutionary traits in topminnow populations.

The two most recent publications reflect a focus on ecological dynamics and evolutionary patterns in freshwater fish species, particularly within the genus Fundulus. These works highlight her expertise in integrating field biology with evolutionary theory.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed.

Dr. Gutierrez contributes significantly to curriculum development and instructional innovation in undergraduate biology education. While no formal advisees or grants are mentioned in the provided text, her role as a teaching professor suggests active involvement in mentoring students through classroom instruction and academic support. Her work in lecture design and editing further indicates leadership in educational content delivery.

She is associated with the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi and operates from the Walker Science Building. There is no indication of lab or research team leadership in the provided information, but her publications suggest prior engagement in organismal and ecological research.