Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science
Dr. Cassandra Joiner, Associate Professor of Chemistry, St. Olaf College
Dr. Cassandra (Cassie) Joiner has cultivated a laboratory and classroom culture that balances intellectual rigor with student well-being. As dedicated educator, she teaches across the curriculum—from introductory chemistry to advanced biochemistry—and recently developed an innovative Forensic Science course for non-majors.
As the lead for the General Chemistry II laboratory program, Dr. Joiner she has reinvigorated the curriculum. She also co-creates activities for Biochemistry I and has redesigned Biochemistry II to feature Chemical Biology. By integrating real-world research questions into her laboratory courses and utilizing evidence-based practices like the C.R.E.A.T.E. method (Consider, Read, Elucidate hypotheses, Analyze data, Think of the next Experiment), she promotes scientific inquiry. Her students praise her Socratic approach, noting that she fosters a sense of curiosity and helps them grasp the interdisciplinary relevance of complex topics.
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Joiner has secured funding through an NIH R15 AREA grant and an NSF LEAPS-MPS grant. Her work focuses on the mechanisms of adaptor protein engagement by OGT and its functional effects on glycosylation. To date, she has mentored 37 research students and numerous McNair Scholars. This collaboration has led to twelve presentations at national conferences and a co-authored publication in ChemBioChem featuring five of her students. Beyond her own lab, she contributes to the broader academic community through publications in CourseSource and her service on the Education Committee for the Protein Society.
On campus, Dr. Joiner is a champion for community-building, spearheading initiatives such as “Periodic Table Lunches,” “ChemisTEAs,” and first-year socials to create a welcoming environment for faculty and students alike.
Biological Sciences and Psychology
Dr. Laura Burrack, Professor and Chair of Biology, Gustavus Adolphus College
Dr. Laura Burrack is a distinguished biologist whose scholarship addresses the critical evolution of drug-resistant Candida species. Her research explores how genome instability and varying ploidy levels in fungal pathogens can lead to the development of drug resistance—a challenge that is particularly complex because fungal and human cells often share similar targets for drug efficacy. Through her work, Dr. Burrack provides insights into how we might better understand and target these resilient fungal pathogens.
As a mentor, Dr. Burrack has guided twenty-four undergraduate researchers through rigorous projects, including honors theses. Her commitment to student success is reflected in her publishing record: she regularly appears in top-tier journals such as Nature Microbiology, PLoS Pathogens, and Genes. Notably, 13 of her undergraduate collaborators are co-authors on peer-reviewed publications, and many more have presented their findings at national symposia. A Harry M. Goldwater Scholar, Dr. Burrack has successfully mentored three additional Goldwater Scholars, further cementing her reputation for excellence in research and mentorship.
In the classroom, Dr. Burrack teaches a diverse range of courses, including Microbiology, Cancer Biology, and a specialized Fundamentals of Microbiology for aspiring healthcare professionals. She was also instrumental in piloting the high-impact capstone seminar, “The History of Eugenics and the Future of Genetic Testing.” Beyond her department, Dr. Burrack has served as the college-wide Director of the Challenge Curriculum, where she helps shape the interdisciplinary academic experience for the entire Gustavus community.