Editor Degrees:
B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Rhode Island
M.S. in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Florida
Ph.D. in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Florida
About Teaching and CourseSource
Heather M. Townsend is a professor of biology at the Community College of Rhode Island where she teaches courses in microbiology, organismal biology, and human health. She earned a B.S. in animal and veterinary science from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Veterinary Clinical Sciences from the University of Florida where she majored in aquatic animal medicine. Her doctoral work focused on a fungal disease in American alligators which led her into the field of both microbiology and zoological-related studies such as herpetology. It was at the University of Florida where she discovered a love for teaching, helping to teach courses at the College of Veterinary Medicine in dog anatomy, aquatic animal health, mycology, and histology.
Her publications include articles, papers and chapters on virtual microscopy, biosafety in teaching laboratories, and incorporating course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) into community college courses. Her interests lie in incorporating high-impact practices at the community college level to facilÂitate equity and inclusion in the classroom. Recently, she has focused her attention on adding research experiences for online courses, as well as enhancing a CURE by integrating ethical conduct of research to strengthen students’ scientific literacy.
Dr. Townsend is an active member and contributor in the science education field and serves as the president of the New England Biology Association for Two-Year Colleges. She looks forward to being a part of CourseSource and feels that by joining the editorial board and collaborating with others to produce peer-reviewed resources she will help advance the biology education field.