Research overview: Dr. Peffer specializes in interdisciplinary research as it relates to educational technologies and science education. She leverages her formal training in both molecular biology and learning sciences to study how people learn, understand, and engage with biology content. In particular, she's interested in how we can use educational technology like simulations and serious games to assess what people know and believe about the nature of science knowledge. She is also a leader in promoting interdisciplinary research collaborations within education research and studies how to support researchers in their interdisciplinary endeavors. Dr. Peffer recently published Biology Everywhere: How the science of life matters to everyday life, which focuses on where we see applications of biology as part of our everyday experience.
Bio: Dr. Peffer holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed a postdoctoral appointment in learning sciences from Georgia State University. She serves the University both as a researcher in ICS and as instructor in the Life Sciences First Year Academic Experience. Melanie enjoys hiking, playing the flute, and spending time with her husband, son, and two cats.