Melinda Maris

About Melinda Maris

Melinda Maris, Ph.D, is an award-winning leader, educator, and scientist who has been described as “a brilliant new contributor to the international dialogue on teaching and learning.” A visionary strategic thinker and a trailblazer in the field of teaching and learning using evidence-based methods, she quickly established herself as a highly-sought expert and partner on transformative education. Dr. Maris is passionate about creating student-centered learning environments grounded in research and best practices. She has a proven record of leading change, having successfully launched new educational initiatives at eight institutions. Dr. Maris has held academic leadership positions and faculty positions at institutions around the world, providing her with insight into diverse learning environments. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her commitment to evidence-based teaching and assessment practices, including being named a Biology Scholar by the National Science Foundation and the American Society for Microbiology, a Georgia Governor’s Teaching Fellow, and a National Endowment for the Humanities / Arthur Blank Teaching Fellow. She was also a member of the inaugural class of Emory University\'s 40 Under Forty for her contributions to higher education leadership. Key Skills: Leading and managing change Visionary yet strategic and data-driven thinking Building collaborative relationships Innovative problem-solving Developing new educational initiatives while ensuring the quality, relevance, and vitality of existing ones Creating high quality, learner-centered, transformative environments grounded in research and best practices that promote learner engagement and success Fostering cultures of excellence in teaching and learning

Experience

1. Dean of Academic Programs

   Foundation For Advanced Education In The Sciences Faes

   Jan 2019 — Present · Bethesda, MD

   Serve as a member of the senior management team, responsible for the overall performance of the organization. Provide visionary and strategic leadership and oversight for all educational initiatives. Oversee the research, development, and implementation of all educational initiatives, including graduate, professional, and continuing education courses; biotechnology lab training; professional development workshops; and conferences. Provide dynamic leadership to identify, implement, and standardize best practices in teaching and learning and instructional design to create improved student-centered learning environments. Led transformation of fully in-person curriculum to fully online delivery.

Education

• Emory University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• William & Mary

  Bachelor’s Degree