Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Christopher is passionate about reaching all students through inclusive, evidence-based STEM teaching strategies. She uses her training as a developmental geneticist to teach a broad variety of molecular and cell biology courses ranging from the introductory level through advanced electives, with a focus on active learning strategies that allow students to engage with authentic scientific data. Dr. Christopher is especially dedicated to supporting our first-semester freshmen as they transition into college life. In addition to teaching lab and lecture courses for majors and nonmajors, she presents national professional development workshops on biology teaching as a BioInteractive Ambassador for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Education

  • B.S. Biological Sciences, Cornell University
  • Ph.D. Genetics, Yale University

Research Interests

  • Inclusive STEM Pedagogy
  • Developmental Biology

School

Publications and Courses

Please find a compilation of Dr. Kasey Christopher's selected publications and course offerings.

  • School of Science and Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award, 2025
  • Duquesne University Open Education Teaching Award, 2024
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, 2010-2013
  1. Park, P.J. and Christopher, K.J. (2025) An exploration of Threespine Stickleback body shape evolution using HHMI BioInteractive Data Explorer. In: Cole M and O’Brien J, eds. Advances in Biology Laboratory Education. Volume 45, Article 18. Publication of the 45th Conference of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE).
  2. Christopher, K. Implementing BioInteractive Resources in Large Undergraduate Courses. (2024) Contribution to Educator Voices. Retrieved from https://www.biointeractive.org/professional-learning/educator-voices/implementing-biointeractive-resources-large-undergraduate
  3. Christopher, K. (2024) “The Virus Behind COVID-19.” Visual narrative and educator implementation resources contributed to HHMI Beautiful Biology, https://www.hhmi.org/beautifulbiology/scroll-and-tell/virus-behind-covid-19 and https://www.hhmi.org/beautifulbiology/covid-19.
  4. Kessler, C., Mazza, W., Christopher, K., Kim, W. (2022). Application of a bacterial experimental evolution system to visualize and teach evolution in action: A course-based undergraduate research experience. CourseSource.
  5. Christopher, K. (2018). Critical Analysis of Classic bicoid Paper – Assignment. Life Science Teaching Resource Community.
  6. Cela, P., Hampl, M., Shylo, N.A., Christopher, K.J., et al. (2018). Ciliopathy protein Tmem107 plays multiple roles in craniofacial development. Journal of Dental Research 97(1):108-117.
  7. Xin, D., Christopher, K.J., Zeng, L., Kong, Y., Weatherbee, S.D. (2017). IFT56 regulates vertebrate developmental patterning by maintaining IFTB complex integrity and ciliary microtubule architecture. Development 144: 1544-1553.
  8. Shylo, N.A., Christopher, K.J., Iglesias, A., Daluiski, A., Weatherbee, S.D. (2016). TMEM107 is a Critical Regulator of Ciliary Protein Composition and is Mutated in Orofaciodigital Syndrome. Human Mutation 37(2): 155-9.
  9. Christopher, K.J., Wang, B., Kong, Y., Weatherbee, S.D. (2012). Forward genetics uncovers Transmembrane protein 107 as a novel factor required for ciliogenesis and Sonic Hedgehog signaling. Developmental Biology 368(2): 382-92.
  • BIOL 100 Biology Major Exploration and Mentoring Experiences
  • BIOL 111 General Biology
  • BIOL 115L Advanced General Biology Laboratory
  • BIOL 212 Cell and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 313/513 Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 374W Capstone Lab