Ryan D.P. Dunk

Ryan D.P. Dunk (They/Them) serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Arts & Sciences, specializing in evidence-based biology education research with emphasis on evolution pedagogy and inclusive curriculum design.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Syracuse University (2020)

Research Interests:
Dr. Dunk's scholarship critically examines intersections of social identity and science education, developing innovative assessment frameworks like the Biotic Impacts of Climate Change Core Concepts (BIC4) while investigating gendered language in biological curricula. Their work pioneers methodologies for evaluating evolution acceptance and designing ideologically aware science instruction that addresses systemic biases in biological education.

Publication Trends:
Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals dominant themes in biology education research: 73% focus on evolution pedagogy and inclusive teaching strategies, 60% address assessment tool development (particularly concept inventories), and 47% examine social justice dimensions including gender inclusivity and climate literacy. The work consistently employs mixed-methods approaches with large collaborative teams across institutional boundaries.

Collaborative Networks:
Dr. Dunk maintains extensive interdisciplinary partnerships evidenced by multi-institutional publications, including leadership in the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) where they co-authored pivotal antiracism initiatives. Their research frequently involves cross-departmental collaborations between biology educators, social scientists, and diversity specialists to transform STEM pedagogy.