Secrets of Life: Intro to Biology

Mary Ellen Wiltrout is the Director of Blended and Online Initiatives and a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She earned her Ph.D. from the MIT Department of Biology in 2009 and returned in 2013 to co-create the course 7.00x Introduction to Biology with Professor Eric Lander. In her current role, Mary Ellen oversees the execution and evolution of the digital learning strategy for the Department of Biology, focusing on developing digital learning content, advising on evidence-based teaching practices, creating MITx courses, and researching the impact of design on learner engagement.

Eric Steven Lander is a renowned geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician who has fundamentally shaped modern genomic science. As a principal leader of the Human Genome Project from 1990 to 2003, he made transformative contributions to genome mapping, sequencing, and characterization. His research group contributed one-third of all sequencing to the $3 billion project that decoded three billion DNA letters in the human genetic code.

Dr. Michelle Mischke has established herself as a prominent figure in biology education through her significant academic and industry contributions. During her tenure as an Instructor in MIT's Department of Biology, she played a crucial role in teaching foundational biology courses and coordinating major educational initiatives. Her expertise was particularly evident in her role as course coordinator for MITx 7.00x "Introduction to Biology," where she helped develop innovative learning materials covering biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and recombinant DNA. Her educational background includes a B.A. in both Biology and Chemistry from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, followed by postdoctoral research at Harvard University. After her successful career at MIT, she transitioned to the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation as Director of Education Programs, where she continues to shape biology education by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical biotechnology applications. Her teaching approach emphasizes making complex biological concepts accessible while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Graham Charles Walker, born in 1948, is a distinguished American biologist who has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding DNA repair mechanisms and cellular responses to genetic damage. As an American Cancer Society Professor and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor at MIT's Department of Biology, his research has fundamentally advanced our knowledge of DNA repair, mutagenesis, and bacterial symbiosis. After completing his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley, he joined MIT in 1976, where his laboratory has made pivotal discoveries about translesion DNA synthesis, bacterial-host interactions, and the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. His work has significant implications for cancer treatment and antibiotic effectiveness. Walker's commitment to education is exemplified through his development of innovative educational software tools, including StarBiochem, StarGenetics, and StarCellBio. His scientific excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2013, fellowship in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Environmental Mutagen Society Award. As an internationally respected scientist, he has also served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Bacteriology and co-authored the influential textbook "DNA Repair and Mutagenesis".

Brian White is a distinguished biology educator with over two decades of experience at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he serves as Associate Professor of Biology specializing in Science Education. His career began at MIT, where he earned his BS in Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. White's teaching innovation journey started with traditional lectures for large biology classes of 200-400 students, gradually evolving to incorporate active learning techniques like think-pair-share and clicker technology. He pioneered the "flipped classroom" approach in biology education, developing online lectures and interactive materials that transformed student engagement. His contributions to education include authoring "A Problems Approach to Introductory Biology" and developing innovative educational software tools. White's excellence in teaching has been recognized with the 2000 CAS Outstanding Achievement Award for Teaching. His course portfolio includes Bio 111, Bio 112, graduate-level Scientific Communication, and specialized seminars on presentation skills. Beyond teaching, he has secured significant grants for educational research, including a $500,000 NSF CAREER award, and maintains active collaborations with institutions like BioQUEST and the New England Aquarium to develop educational tools and animations for biology education