The Dauers took their faculty development leave in 2022-23, traveling to Utrecht University, the Netherlands. After identifying researchers at the prestigious Freudenthal Institute for Science and Mathematics Education aligned with both of their research interests, they worked to develop research projects at UNL and UU that would improve their education research and teaching. Joe connected with biology education researchers studying interdisciplinary teaching and learning, which is integrated into UU biology curriculum and fosters creativity in thinking. Joe also advanced his teaching, using the time to revamp his approach to teaching towards mastery grading and putting these innovations into practice after returning to UNL. Jenny collaborated with research studying how students learn through socioscientific issues, particularly connect their learning to a sense of competence for engaging in real world issues to improve their communities. The collaboration supported a new model for SCIL 101 instruction that was awarded an NSF grant in 2024, two paper manuscripts and opportunities for future collaboration.

Bio Sketches
Dr. Joe Dauer is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Resources. He conducted plant ecology research for a decade before switching his research trajectory to focus on how undergraduate students learn biology. His work on student construction and evaluation of biology models informs his pedagogy through his teaching Introductory Biology and Ecology. Dr. Jenny Dauer is the Associate Director for Undergraduate Education in the School of Natural Resources and an Associate Professor. She conducts science education research on undergraduate students’ science literacy, particularly in the context of SCIL 101 Science and Decision Making for a Complex World. The Dauers also co-teach College Science Teaching for graduate students.