Sarah Eddy

Sarah Eddy is an Associate Professor in the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota, where she directs the Biology Teaching and Learning Lab. Her research generates evidence-based resources to help science instructors create classroom environments that promote student belonging, motivation, and recognition of diverse student backgrounds as strengths in scientific learning.

Dr. Eddy's work centers on student experiences in STEM, particularly how social and cultural features of active learning impact engagement and learning outcomes. She investigates equity through studies of Black transfer students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions, transgender/non-binary student experiences in biology courses, and gender/race achievement gaps. Her lab amplifies student voices to identify supportive teaching strategies and drive evidence-based curriculum reforms that foster inclusive science education.

Analysis of her 2019-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on inclusive biology education, with dominant themes including gender/sexuality curriculum reform, social support mechanisms in active learning, and strategies for closing achievement gaps. She has developed key instruments like ASPECT (Assessing Student Perspective of Engagement in Classroom) and contributed to meta-analyses on gender performance gaps, establishing herself as a leader in evidence-based STEM teaching practices.

Dr. Eddy secures research funding through NSF-supported collaborative projects including the RCN-UBE Incubator for inclusive curriculum development and studies on best practices for narrowing achievement gaps. She mentors students in the Eddy Lab, with recent news (October 2024) highlighting the addition of three new lab members. Her work extends to professional leadership in SABER (Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research), where she contributes to antiracism initiatives.

The Eddy Lab operates with a mission to transform STEM classrooms into inclusive spaces that foster motivation and critical thinking for all students. Through rigorous research and community engagement, the lab listens to student perspectives and shares findings with instructors to create change, aiming to cultivate a diverse scientific community capable of addressing global challenges with respect for all communities involved.