Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science
Dr. Amanda Nienow is a Professor of Chemistry at Gustavus Adolphus College
Dr. Nienow was selected for the Janet Andersen Award, in part, because of her excellence in teaching and in mentoring undergraduate research collaborations. Dr. Nienow teaches a range of courses from first-year Principles of Chemistry to upper-level courses like Physical and Environmental Chemistry. She redesigned the physical chemistry curriculum to include application, scientific communication, and professional development, transforming the course from one that students dread to an experience they enjoy. Dr. Nienow’s active research lab studies photodegradation of compounds, like the herbicide dicamba, in the environment. She has active collaborations in France and Minnesota, and undergraduates are co-authors on her publications. Amanda has earned numerous grants from the NSF-RUI, the Sherman-Fairchild Foundation, IUSE, among others. This funding supports her lab as well as undergraduate research across the Gustavus Science and Mathematics Division. Notably, she catalyzed the development of the summer Second Year Research Experience for Gustavus students. She supports and directs the summer student-faculty collaboration called the First Year Research Experience Program. Dr. Nienow’s love of chemistry shines through in outreach programming she developed called ‘Science on Saturday’ and ‘ChemistryNight,’ which are one-day events for local K-12 students. At Gustavus, she is Director of Undergraduate Research and Co-Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Biological Sciences and Psychology
Dr. Elizabeth De Stasio, is the Raymond H. Herzog Professor of Science in the Biology Department and Biochemistry Program, Lawrence University
Dr. Elizabeth De Stasio was chosen as the Janet Andersen Awardee for her excellence in undergraduate teaching, research and service to science education. Dr. De Stasio transformed courses from introductory biology to molecular biology and genetics, making them more active environments accessible to all students. She also incorporated contemporary topics with a research focus, providing students the scaffolding to communicate as scientists in writing and discussing the primary literature. Specifically, she pioneered the publication of educational primers for genetics, which prepare students to read and critically evaluate research articles. The primers introduce concepts clearly so that the literature becomes more tractable. Her excellence as an undergraduate mentor has been
rewarded with numerous teaching awards. Dr. De Stasio repeatedly earned funding from HHMI, NSF-LSAMP, NIH and Sherman-Fairchild, often to support underrepresented students in STEM. She
developed a vibrant research lab, mentoring more than 120 students in original research related to neurobiology and genetics. She also has published widely in the scholarship of teaching and learning
contributing many ideas for research-based activities in labs. Beth has served as an Associate Editor of Genetics and elected to their board, and in roles dedicated to improving the way science is taught
nationally at both the high school and undergraduate level.