Ariana Eily

About Ariana Eily

Currently, I am focused on science communication, the intersection between art and science, and on developing ways science can be more deeply connected to society. This includes leading an interdisciplinary team exploring STEAM initiatives, using improv to help scientists become better communicators, creating courses to expand our thinking about how science and society interact, and establishing a science-art exhibit called the Art of a Scientist. My career interests center on teaching, outreach, and science communication. My goal is to connect these to make science accessible to everyone. A scientific mindset is a powerful tool, and is available to anyone, but we need a radical shift in how we engage it in people. I ground my view as a teacher in connection and openness to inspire student development. I constantly connect our curricula to their passions, interests, and goals. Having them involved in the teaching process increases their investment, so they become more active participants. I also view the classroom as a community, and encourage my students to help one another grow. This helps the class progress together, and introduces new ideas from the individual minds of the students. I take this approach to scientific outreach as well. I’ve worked to organize events to give children science experiences that actively engage their thinking. Through it, I’ve seen how connecting science with students’ passions sparks their curiosity, regardless of their exposure to formal scientific knowledge. In outreach directed at adults, I find similar techniques work to draw them in so that science discussions can take place. This highlighted the importance of good science communication. It forms the foundation for teaching and outreach, which allow us to open science up to people beyond academia. Part of my work now is with scientists at different career stages to help them connect with different audiences.

Experience

1. Lecturer

   Elon University

   Aug 2022 — Present · Elon, NC, US

   I joined the Biology Department at Elon University as a full-time lecturer focusing on non-majors biology courses and cell biology. My hope is to craft meaningful science experiences for non-majors and help them feel comfortable with being in the lab as well as encountering biology in their every day lives. My experiences at NCSSM and during my science communication postdoc at Duke have helped me grow the way I think about developing students as they step into biology sometimes for the first time, giving them confidence to problem solve, think critically, ask questions, be curious, and explore science hands-on. This work has included sensory active learning lessons, student-developed case studies, group-designed lab research projects, and encouraging ownership of their learning and experience. I\'m looking forward to exploring these practices at Elon both in non-majors courses and majors courses in my field of molecular cell biology using study organisms like Azolla, slime molds, and yeast to allow students to do biology regardless of their experience level.

Education

• Rollins College

  Bachelor's degree, Biology, General

  2008 — 2012

• Duke University

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biology

  2012 — 2019

• Rollins College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Biology

  2008 — 2012