2018 Arizona Bioscience Educator of the Year - Carol Bender, MSSS

SUMMARY

Carol Bender is a University Distinguished Outreach Professor and founding/current director of the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) at the University of Arizona. In this capacity, Bender leads the development and assessment of programs that produce students who are well prepared to enter graduate and professional degree programs that lead to careers in biomedical research and health careers. Inspired by the ideas of the late Michael A. Wells, PhD, Regents’ Professor of Biochemistry at the UA, Professor Bender was at the forefront of the movement to get undergraduates out of the classroom and into apprentice-style research lab experiences before this concept was popular or its impact well understood, particularly in STEM fields where it is imperative that professionals work together on issues facing humankind.