معرفی
Merri Lynn Casem is a Professor of Biological Science and Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Programs/GE Degrees at California State University, Fullerton. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Riverside and a BA from CSU Fullerton. Her research focuses on the cellular and molecular biology of black widow spiders (Latrodectus hesperus), particularly silk gland development and egg chorion structure. She also investigates biology education pedagogy, including curricular design and active learning strategies. Current research explores spider development from oocyte maturation to instar behavior. Dr. Casem teaches courses in cell biology, microscopy, and spider silk biology. She mentors undergraduate researchers through initiatives like STEM2 and collaborates with the Latrodectus Research Group. Her lab uses scanning electron microscopy and molecular biology techniques to study spider silk proteins and developmental processes.
Education Background:
- PhD in Cellular & Molecular Biology, UC Riverside (advisor: Dr. Leah Haimo)
- BA in Biological Sciences, CSU Fullerton
Research Interests:
- Spider silk protein synthesis mechanisms
- Egg chorion structural biology
- Early spider embryonic development
- Active learning in STEM education
- Curriculum innovation in undergraduate biology programs
Lab Collaborations: Works with Drs. Cheryl Hayashi (UC Riverside), Nicole Ayoub (Cal Poly Pomona), and the Claremont Colleges Joint Sciences program. Supervises student researchers through NSF-funded STEM2 program.
Teaching Contributions: Develops integrative biology courses emphasizing hands-on microscopy and spider silk biochemistry. Received recognition as a master teaching assistant during graduate studies.
