Kathryn Furniss
[email protected]
Office Address

3-154 Molecular and Cellular Biology
515 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States

Katherine Furniss

Teaching Associate Professor
Biology Teaching and Learning
Research Publications

My research interests focus on ensuring that all people interested in science can succeed. This is reflected in several projects focused on changes to classrooms, assessment of student understanding, and professional development within a department setting. An ongoing project is the updating and revision of an online, open-access textbook, titled Introduction to the Evolution and Biology of Sex, to make it more biologically accurate and inclusive. I collaborate with Dr. Kelly Lane's lab to develop and investigate genetic essentialism in students' understanding of biology and race. I also lead professional development within the department to develop self-awareness and empathy around a variety of topics. I have collected quantitative and qualitative data on this opportunity.

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Teaching statement

My teaching approach focuses on designing and cultivating a classroom to ensure all students can succeed. I take a Universal Design for Learning approach to ensure that student strengths are utilized and celebrated while eliminating barriers. My classroom is often active and noisy as students talk with each other, their TAs, and me to build their conceptual understanding and develop their skills. My approach to student interactions was informed by Connected Teaching by Dr. Harriet Schwartz. She emphasizes and beautifully describes the relationship between student and professor when energy, sense of worth, movement, knowledge, and desire for more connection are attended to and cultivated.

Education and background

Degrees earned

  • PhD, University of Minnesota, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
  • BA, College of St. Benedict, Biology Department

Courses taught

  • BIOL1003 – Evolution and Biology of Sex
  • BIOL1951 – Foundations of Biology I
  • Courses for Takeda (Technical Writing, Product Lifecycle, Good Manufacturing Practices, Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, Facilities Operations and Design)
  • Nature of Life @ Itasca