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Mark D. Decker, Ph.D.
Co-Director
Biology Program
University of Minnesota
decker@umn.edu
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I am originally from southeastern Michigan and grew up just north of Ann Arbor. After graduation from the University of Michigan, I earned a Master's in Biological Sciences from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota. My background and interests in science are primarily in ecology and evolutionary biology.
I am very interested in the role of both pedagogical models and technology in enhancing science education and literacy. For two years I was on the faculty of the Division of Biology at Kansas State University where I led the development of an innovative "studio" course in introductory biology that integrates computer-aided instruction with traditional wet lab activities in a student-centered format. In 1998, I returned to the University of Minnesota and joined the academic staff at the Biology Program within the College of Biological Sciences, and am now the Program's Associate Director for Scholarship and Teaching and a Teaching Associate Professor in CBS. I teach a variety of courses, from introductory biology for non-majors to bioethics, and conduct pedagogical research that focuses on enhancing the experience of students in high-enrollment courses. With several colleagues, I regularly offer a two-week course for Minnesota high school teachers aimed at enhancing instruction of evolutionary biology in high school curricula.
My first book, co-authored with Randy Moore and titled More Than Darwin, was published in March 2008, and a second book, No Prospect of an End: A Chronology of the Evolution-Creationism Controversy (with R. Moore and S. Cotner), will be published in late 2009.
I enjoy outdoor activities with my family, reading, playing guitar (of course, my amplifier goes to 11 -- if you're really brave, here's a sample), and skydiving. (YEE-HAA!! Here's some photos from tandem jumps my wife and a friend made last year.)
Thanks for visiting and feel free to email me any information you think I should know.
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