Christel earned a bachelor’s degree at Auburn University in Zoology and Master of Science degree from Auburn University. She then spent numerous years teaching introductory biology courses at various colleges across the East coast. She is currently a PhD candidate in Biology and is focusing her dissertation research on STEM education. She is studying the impacts of integrative curricula (merging physical and social sciences) on STEM literacy and student sense of belonging in biology courses at UAB. In addition, she is investigating the role of myoglianin as a growth and metabolism regulating hormone in the caterpillar Manduca sexta.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peggy Biga