L. Kate Wright Headshot

L. Kate Wright

School Head

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science

585-475-4669
Office Location

L. Kate Wright

School Head

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science

Education

BS, Rochester Institute of Technology; MS, Ph.D., University of Rochester

Bio

As a Biology Education Researcher, I investigate how learners reason and understand complex ideas in molecular biology and genetics through their words, drawings and interpretations of visual representations (e.g. diagrams, graphs, signaling pathways, gene maps, etc.).  I am also involved in the design, testing and assessment of research-backed classroom interventions, model-based activities and online tools to promote learning. I have many years of experience as an instructor in various college biology classrooms and have worked to bring curricular changes to the School of Life Sciences. As an educator, I am guided by the science education and cognitive sciences literature and bring research-based strategies into my classrooms, including many model-based activities.

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585-475-4669

Personal Links
Areas of Expertise

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Visual Literacy of Molecular Biology Revealed through a Card Sorting Task." Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education. (2023): e00198-22. Web.
Wright,, Leslie Kate, et al. "The DNA Landscape: Development and Application of a New Framework for Visual Communication about DNA." CBE—Life Sciences Education 21. 3 (2022): 21:ar47, 1-8. Web.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Punnett squares or protein production? The expert-novice divide for conceptions of genes and gene expression." CBE Life Sciences Education 20. 4 (2021): 10. Web.
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Peer Reviewed/Juried Poster Presentation or Conference Paper
Wright, L. Kate and Dina L. Newman. "High School Teacher Conceptions and Lessons about Meiosis Reveal a Critical gap in Molecular level Knowledge." Proceedings of the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research, 8th annual meeting. Ed. Mary Pat Wenderworth. Minneapolis, MN: n.p..
Newman, Dina L., L. Kate Wright, and Jean A. Cardinale. "An Interactive Video Vignette Successfully Teaches Pedigree Analysis to Undergraduates." Proceedings of the American Society of Human Genetics. Ed. American Society of Human Genetics. Orlanda, FL: American Society of Human Genetics.
Stefkovich, Meghan, et al. "3-D Physical Model-based Activities Benefit Student Learning in Multiple Ways." Proceedings of the 7th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER). Ed. SABER. Minneapolis, MN: SABER.
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Invited Keynote/Presentation
Wright, L. Kate and Dina L. Newman. "Interactive Video Vignettes: Out-of-Class Priming Tools to Improve Student Learning of Biology Core Concepts." 24th Annual American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators. 24th Annual American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators. Denver, CO. 28 Jul. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L. and L. Kate Wright. "Lack of Grounding in Molecular Understanding is a Barrier to Conceptual Understanding of Genetic Terminology." 7th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research. Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 22 Jul. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Wright, L.Kate and Dina L. Newman. "Confusion Surrounding the Synthesis of Macromolecules From Building Blocks: A Crucial Gap Revealed." 4th Annual Society for Advancement of Undergraduate Education Conference. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, MN. Minneapolis, MN. 17-20 Jul. 2014. Conference Presentation.
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Published Conference Proceedings
Wright, L. Kate, et al. "Lessons Learned from the First Year Implementation of a Two-Track Reformed Introductory Biology Course." Proceedings of the National Associations of Biology Teachers Research Symposium. Ed. Teddie Phillipson-Mower. Atlanta, GA: n.p., 2013. Web.
Published Article
Newman, D. L., L.K. Wright, and H.C. Sweet. “A structured undergraduate research program that trains and prepares students for post-graduate education and scientificcareers.” Proceedings of the International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation, 2010. 5010-5019. Print. *

Currently Teaching

BIOL-295
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their first three years of study.
BIOL-298
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their first three years of study.
BIOL-301
1 - 4 Credits
This course allows students to assist in a class or laboratory for which they have previously earned credit. The student will assist the instructor in the operation of the course. Assistance by the student may include fielding questions, helping in workshops, and assisting in review sessions. In the case of labs, students may also be asked to help with supervising safety practices, waste manifestation, and instrumentation.
BIOL-336
1 Credits
This course allows students to explore different research questions and methods within the life sciences through attending and reflecting on weekly departmental seminars. Students will write weekly assignments to summarize the research methods and findings. Students will evaluate different scientific presentation styles, which will influence their own presentation skills. During weeks with no seminar scheduled, students will meet with the faculty leader to discuss the seminars and the written assignments.
BIOL-408
3 Credits
What are the differences between cancer and normal cells? What cellular pathways and molecular mechanisms do cancer cells exploit to gain proliferative advantage, circumvent programmed cell death pathways and evade the host surveillance system? In this course, students will answer these fundamental questions through activities, class discussion, readings and other assignments. Students will explore how the products of tumor suppressor genes, proto-oncogenes and oncogenes help or hinder the process of tumorigenesis in mammalian cells. Students will gain an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cancer cell growth, communication and organization. Students will become familiar with landmark findings and current research in the area of Cancer Biology and will use experimental data to formulate scientific conclusions. Students will participate in several writing assignments to practice scientific writing and learn how to clearly communicate ideas related to Cancer Biology.
BIOL-495
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
BIOL-498
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their final two years of study.
BIOL-500
0 Credits
The experiential learning (EL) requirement may be fulfilled through a variety of methods including co-op, undergraduate research, summer research experiences, study abroad relevant to the major, designated EL courses, etc. All experiences must be approved by the GSOLS EL Committee.
BIOL-636
1 Credits
This course allows students to explore different research questions and methods within the life sciences through attending and reflecting on weekly departmental seminars. Students will write weekly assignments to summarize the research methods and findings. Students will evaluate different scientific presentation styles, which will influence their own presentation skills. Students will make connections between the main ideas presented in the seminars to their own graduate research project or to the broader scientific community. Students will read one of the speaker’s papers and discuss how the paper extends the information discussed in the seminar. During weeks with no seminar scheduled, students will meet with the faculty leader to discuss the seminars and the written assignments.
BIOL-798
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed, graduate level tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum.

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