Description:

"Using Student-Centered Approaches to Enhance Student Learning in Bioengineering"

ABSTRACT:

Active learning is a term that describes instructional activities that engage students in their own learning process.  In this seminar, I will discuss the effectiveness of implementing a variety of student-centered techniques in bioengineering laboratory courses. Designing relevant instructional materials, developing learning resources and implementing research-driven student-centered strategies in the classroom can significantly enhance student learning and engagement. 

BIO:

Renata F. Ramos is the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and a Full Teaching Professor in the department of Bioengineering.

Ramos has taught at Rice University since 2008, serving as primary instructor for over 14 different courses. While in this teaching-intensive position, she has undertaken hands-on, project-based, laboratory and lecture courses in biomedical instrumentation, biomechanics, biofluids, mechanical testing, medical devices, systems physiology, engineering design, tissue culture, and bioengineering fundamentals.

Her contributions to the bioengineering educational field are evident from her (1) efforts in implementing and assessing novel pedagogical techniques in her classes, (2) her contributions to curriculum innovation and (3) her leadership in developing educational programs and multidisciplinary opportunities.

As the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Ramos serves as the primary representative of the Dean’s Office on matters affecting undergraduate and graduate academics. She also supports teaching faculty development programs; oversees diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the school; supports innovation in education; oversees accreditation and assessment; and interacts with school chairs on matters of academic programming.

Ramos’ exceptional efforts in instructional design and course management have been recognized through Experiential Inquiry and Research in the Curriculum, Enhancing Engineering Education and Brown Foundation Teaching Grants. Her teaching excellence and mentoring has also been recognized through Rice University’s George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching (2014, 2017, 2019), the Department of Bioengineering’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2013, 2018, 2023), the Excellence in Academic Advising Award from Rice’s Office of Academic Advising (2014), and the Graduate Student Association Faculty Teaching and Mentoring Award (2020). She has also received national recognition, including the Biomedical Engineering Division Teaching Award (2014) and the Theo C. Pilkington Outstanding Educator Award (2023) by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). In 2022, she was also elected a fellow in the Biomedical Engineering Society for her contributions to engineering education.

Outside the classroom, Ramos contributes greatly to overall student life and academic efforts at Rice University. She has served as an undergraduate academic advisor in the department of Bioengineering (2014-present), as an engineering divisional advisor for first year students (2011-present), as faculty advisor for the Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter (2017-present) and as a member of several academic committees at Rice and for the Department of Bioengineering, the school of Engineering and Rice University. She also served as a resident associate (2011-2018) to Rice’s college system.

Ramos is an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) and an associate editor for the Biomedical Engineering Educational Journal.