SABER Takes Bold Steps Towards Diversity and Inclusion in Biology Education Research |
The Society for the Advancement in Biology Education Research (SABER), the leading international society focused on undergraduate biology education research, is proud to announce a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its organization through an NSF BIO-LEAPS award. Read the Full Press Release Congratulations to the PI Team: Dr. Samiksha Raut, Principal Investigator (PI), University of Alabama at Birmingham; Dr. Sara Brownell, Co-PI, Arizona State University; Dr. Bryan Dewsbury, Co-PI, Florida International University; Dr. Marcos García-Ojeda, Co-PI, Past-President, SABER, University of California, Merced; Dr. Miriam Segura, Co-PI, President-Elect, SABER, University of North Georgia. |
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A Letter from President Kelsey Metzger |
Healthy, Vibrant, Growing
Dear SABER Community, The countdown to “Big SABER” is on! Under a month to go…
In July 2023, I remarked that our organization is “healthy, vibrant, and growing.” Since then, many SABER moments have exemplified this, particularly the addition of two highly successful regional SABER events during AY23-24: SABER Midwest in St. Louis, MO (led by the efforts of Kris Callis-Duehl and team at the Donald Danforth Plant Sciences Center), and SABER East in Rochester, NY (led by Dina Newman and Kate Wright at RIT). These new initiatives build on the model established by the SABER West trailblazers who, with the leadership of Brian Sato and the team at UC Irvine, for 8 years running have demonstrated the power of regional events to engage new stakeholders and broaden SABER’s reach and impact.
Our organization is indebted to these audacious leaders for forging a path that we hope will become well-trod. Organizing these events is a tremendous amount of work, but the outcomes are unmistakable: regional events foster connections with local partners, make space for more voices and perspectives in the conversation, bring us to inspiring and innovative educational facilities, showcase local flavor, and broaden our collective perspectives of how discipline-based education research can inform the implementation of evidence-based teaching practices and transform undergraduate biology education across the country.
Aren’t you excited to see where SABER goes next? I know I sure am. The Executive Committee will soon add guidelines for proposing regional events to our policy handbook for members interested in holding a regional meeting at their institution.
In closing, I want to express immense gratitude to all the individuals who contributed to making these regional events possible. Bravo, well done!
Be well, SABERites - hope to see you in July! Kelsey Metzger |
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SABER President Kelsey Metzger takes in some local flavor and enjoys a Junkyard plate with Mariel Pfeifer at dogTown, Rochester, NY during SABER East Photo Credit: Crystal Uminski |
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We hope to see you at the Annual Meeting! |
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
July 11-14, 2024 Regular registration and workshop registration close on June 27.
All presenters must register for the conference Join us for a Special Panel Discussion: The Past, Present, and Future of Biology Education Research Saturday, July 13, 4:30-6:00 pm Learn more here SABER 2024 Keynote Speakers: Selection Criteria Demystified and Speaker Information
SABER is pleased to announce the two keynote speakers for the 2024 Annual Meeting, Dr. Chandralekha Singh and Justice Jones. The speakers' expertise and topic choice are based on surveys of the SABER membership on the issues and topics they are interested in hearing more about and follows the historical practice of selecting one speaker that is focused on Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) and one that focuses on broader ideas that are of general benefit and interest to the SABER Annual Meeting attendees. More information on this year’s speakers can be found here. Dr. Singh was selected by the Invited Speaker Committee, and her opening keynote will focus on current issues in Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER). Justice Jones is the Inaugural Place-Based Keynote Speaker selected as part of the Place-Based Initiative and will help attendees explore ways in which our conference and professional practice can better attend to a sense of place and broader questions pertaining to equity. Attendees and groups will have a chance to meet the speakers throughout the conference. |
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Updates from Regional Meeting Hosts |
SABER East
At the end of May, SABER East held its inaugural meeting at Rochester Institute of Technology. The meeting was a resounding success with 100 participants, but most importantly 51 of those attendees were first-time SABER meeting participants. Similarly, 44 participants were trainees (undergraduate and graduate students, or post-docs). One of our goals for starting an East Coast regional conference is to expand accessibility and opportunities for attendance to individuals who might not be able to attend the main SABER meeting, and those numbers are a definite positive step in that direction.
This year’s SABER East included 6 workshops and 28 talks, of which 3 were given by community college faculty. Quick, three minute “Shark Tank” talks were a highlight on Day 1, with speakers gaining valuable insight on their proposed projects from our panel of DBER expert “sharks” and Ash Tea winning the prize.
We are looking forward to seeing as many as possible of you again in 2025, along with loads of new faces as well! Stay tuned for announcements on the plan for SABER East 2025. LOOKING AHEAD: Save the Dates! SABER Midwest The second SABER Midwest conference will take at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO on October 4-6, 2024. Important dates, including abstract submission information, coming soon! SABER West The 9th SABER West conference will be held at UC Irvine on January 18 & 19, 2025 (with pre-conference workshops). Talk and workshop abstract submissions will open on July 22 and close on September 9. Information about the conference, including abstract instructions, can be found on the conference website. |
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Photo Contest: We Have a Winner! |
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The winning photo was submitted by Cristine Donham who had this to say:
"Since SABER 2020, this exceptional buddy group of graduate students and postdocs has found more than just a get to know you vibe, they found true friendship. These six individuals all bring different strengths to the group, from organization to kindness, everyone brings their best self. It's a rare thing that a group meant for 'short-term getting to know you' really sparks something beyond topical chit chat. We go to each others defenses and help with providing feedback for each other's research. We send job ads and encourage each other in all aspects of life, not just work. We're excited to see the next chapters in each buddy's life as we move on from the grad student and postdoc roles each of us had when we first met!"
Look for this photo on the SABER website! Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo and voted! We can't wait to make memories with you this summer!
Don't forget to take photos at the Annual Meeting and Regional Meetings, because there may be another photo contest in the future. Stay tuned!
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The SABER PEER Network Advocacy subgroup is focused on advocating for anyone who identifies as a PEER (Persons Excluded due to their Ethnicity or Race). The subgroup posts quarterly Spotlights on the SABER website to highlight the accomplishments and visions of PEER members within the SABER community. Our summer PEER Spotlight is our President-elect past of SABER, Miriam Segura. Miriam is a Professor of Biology, and the Harry B Forester Eminent Scholars Chair at University of North Georgia (UNG). She’s been recognized for her excellence in teaching by receiving the UNG annual Distinguished Teaching Award and being named the 2017 Inspiring Leader in STEM by INSIGHT into Diversity magazine. Recently Miriam discussed her research, tips for finding mentors, and her work with SABER in this interview! |
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Education Career Pathways Panel June 27 This event will highlight different education-focused career pathways available to those with a natural sciences and/or DBER background, including teaching/research faculty positions, community outreach-focused roles, directors at centers for teaching & learning, and instructional designers. Although the emphasis will be on biology, we also have panelists from the chemistry and physics education communities. We’ll also discuss which roles do and do not require a Masters and/or PhD.
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New Special Interest Group for Teaching-focused Faculty Just Launched! |
We are excited to announce the launch of a new Special Interest Group dedicated to teaching-focused faculty in biology education. This SIG will include both faculty with only teaching responsibilities (e.g., teaching faculty), as well as those who have both research and teaching responsibilities but whose primary expectations are in teaching. Our mission is to connect members through panels, discussions, and other events, fostering the translation of biology education research into reflective teaching practices and promote the professional development of those in careers that focus on teaching. At the SABER annual meeting in July, we will hold our first SIG panel meeting to discuss our roles, experiences, challenges, and interests as a cohort. Check for more information about our SIG HERE and join us for networking and collaboration to enhance the impact of our teaching together!
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Help Us Celebrate Members of the SABER Community! |
We know this community of biology education researchers is doing amazing things! We want to hear about it and feature you on the SABER website!
Nominate yourself or fellow members who have received national or regional awards or other honors related to undergraduate biology education to be featured on the SABER homepage! We want to highlight the successes of diverse SABER members, including those in all positions (undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, faculty, etc.), all institution types, and all experience levels.
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