Dr. Erin Shortlidge, Biology

Name:

Dr. Erin Shortlidge

Title:

Professor

Department:

Biology

Describe your research in about 200 words.

I am a biology education researcher, and my work largely focuses on improving STEM education through studying best practices in teaching and learning. We use qualitative and quantitative research methods, grounded in theoretical frameworks, to study student and instructor experiences. We study outcomes of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) for both students and instructors, examine how graduate teaching assistants are trained and use evidence-based teaching practices, and explore factors that influence students’ sense of belonging in STEM fields. Ultimately, my goal is to produce research that informs and strengthens the education ecosystem, in turn, helps more students succeed in STEM.

What’s the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?

When students feel that I trust them and believe in their capacity, they, in turn, trust me to help them succeed.

Note: Dr. Shortlidge also starts as the executive director of the UNM Center for Teaching and Learning in fall 2025.