No drab labs on Regier’s watch
Kim Regier has sparked an evolution in biology. An instructor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of Biology, Regier has improved basic biology labs to be more inquiry-based, incorporate more experiments and data analysis, and involve more student writing. For her innovative and forward thinking approach to science and student instruction, Regier received the CLAS Excellence in Teaching Award for 2006.
“A dramatic change occurred when she took over the lecture responsibilities in basic biology,” explains her mentor and former biology chair Gerry Audesirk. “This is an exceedingly difficult class to teach because [it combines a] large class size with a captive—and often somewhat unwilling—student body who are usually only taking the class to fulfill the core curriculum requirement. But the students adore her.”
Regier began her career at the downtown Denver campus as a student, earning her master’s in biology in 2003. She took on responsibility as lab coordinator and biology instructor in the department in 2002. Her enthusiasm, wide range of knowledge and passion for her students quickly made her a stand-out.
“Kim has the first grasp of a wide range of biological topics and the patience and humor needed to be an excellent teacher,” explains Cheri Jones, senior instructor of biology. “She deals with difficult situations with compassion and clear thinking. Her passion for her work is obvious, as is her passion for helping students maintain high standards that will contribute to their future success.”
Regier takes her skills and knowledge beyond the classroom to benefit the community as a whole. She has volunteered with the Colorado Native Plant Society, the adult literacy program in Boulder, the University of Colorado-Boulder Herbarium and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.
“Kim Regier has transformed our non-major offerings,” Audesirk says. “She brings knowledge, enthusiasm, pedagogic skills and rigor to these classes.”