We encourage authentic self-expression and invite wild imaginations as we challenge the status quo and envision academic spaces where students and instructors can be our whole selves.
Dax Ovid
Nice to meet you - my name is Dax (they/she) 👋 I’m an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine. I study discipline-based education research in biology, focusing on the new undergraduate major in Biomedical Physiology.
Our research group focuses on who is represented in our curriculum, what we say that shapes classroom learning environments, and how we can engage science students in cross-cultural humility and advocacy for a more equitable society. I completed a postdoc with San Francisco State University and have a PhD in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley. I like to meet new people, practice electric guitar and to be outdoors (when it’s not too humid)!
Ph.D. student (she/her)
Through my research efforts, I aim to bring to light the often overlooked yet immensely significant emotional health of science students, specifically those in pre-health or medical programs. I believe that if educators show and teach aspiring health professionals that their emotional health is valuable and worth intentional examination and care, that these future health professionals will do the same for their patients via trauma-informed care.
When I’m not in class or lab, I spend a great deal of time self-reflecting while listening to music, watching movies, playing my Nintendo Switch, or learning & laughing on TikTok.
Computer Science Student (she/her)
As part of the CORPUS Education Lab, I'm interested in investigating the link between teacher dispositions and the Instructor Talk frameworks, as well as how we can make students feel like they have a place in whatever field they are pursuing.
Outside of the lab, I support marketing and outreach with Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention (CCAP) Across The Map. I also enjoy helping more people get into the field of technology by teaching computer science concepts through Kode with Klossy.
Ph.D. student (she/her)
My research focuses on gender equity and empowering young people, with an emphasis on marginalized young women and children in Ghana who aspire to excel in STEM education. I study how we can support and motivate their pursuit of STEM education using discipline-based education research methods. Through my academic journey, I hope to gain experiences that deepen my commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable STEM environment.
I am an International Student from Ghana, pursuing my PhD at the University of Georgia. In my free time, I like to explore the restaurants here in Athens, hike through nature’s wonders, and participate in local community events.
Biology Student (she/her)
Within the CORPUS Education Lab, I focus on pre-health students’ attitudes towards study abroad and how we can make study abroad programs more accessible to pre-health students. I hope to create more opportunities for pre-health students to build their cultural competency and experience the world without sacrificing other aspects of their college career and professional school preparations.
Outside of the lab, I am the President of the Black Affairs Council, volunteer at one of the local hospitals and a hospice, and mentor in the Clarke County Mentor Program. When I am not busy with my clubs and work, I enjoy playing the Sims, hanging out with friends, and bowling!
Biomedical Physiology Student (she/her)
My role in the CORPUS Education lab focuses on the survey design process in analyzing Instructor Talk. This encompasses all non-content instructor language that an instructor may say in class. I am interested in how to create a questionnaire that best analyzes student memories of Instructor Talk as well as keeping students engaged while taking the survey. I am looking forward to seeing the real-life implications this research has on instructors and changing the future of science education!
Outside of the lab, I volunteer with Days for Girls and Mercy Health Center. On campus, I am involved with the Biomedical Physiology Society and MEDLIFE @ UGA, and hope to become more involved as my time at UGA continues.
Psychology Student (she/her)
I am on the pre-medical track and hope to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist. In the CORPUS Education Lab, I focus on analyzing student perceptions of non-content instructor language in an upper level biology course and assessing the degree of student-researcher alignment. I am very excited about this project and cannot wait to see how the results both help shape the future of Instructor Talk and facilitate future professional development in inclusive teaching strategies.
On campus, I serve as the PR Chair for UGA Mathcounts and am involved with Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and UGA Doctors Without Borders. I also volunteer at Mercy Health Center and University Cancer and Blood Center. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exercising, and trying new restaurants!
Cellular Biology Student (she/her)
I am on the pre-health track and hope to pursue a career as an physician-scientist with a specialty in cardiology. Here in the CORPUS Education Lab, I focus on understanding the perceptions of undergraduate pre-health students towards studying abroad, with the hope of providing them with the same experiences and broadening their horizons as they progress toward their desired careers in the healthcare field.
I am actively involved in TRIO Student Support Services, where I have served as the Community Service Chair and a Peer Mentor. Outside of school, I enjoy reading books (mostly non-fiction), watching TV shows, and occasionally playing the violin.
Biomedical Physiology Student (he/him)
Hey there! My name is Eros Alejandro Ayala and I am a senior studying Biomedical Physiology at UGA. I am on the pre-med route with an intention to pursue a career in plastic surgery. I am passionate about fostering education that brings awareness to the disparities and unique challenges faced by queer individuals, with a specific focus on the hormonal impacts that can profoundly affect the transgender community. My goal is to not only raise awareness about the complexities of hormonal experiences but also to advocate for inclusive and informed support systems.
In my free time I really enjoy golfing, working out, and reading. A fun fact about me is I played D1 golf at my prior university institution for two years before transferring to UGA!
Ph.D. student (she/her)
Through my Ph.D., I hope to make science more accessible to healthcare students through the lenses of universal design and generative learning, specifically creativity and analogous learning. For several years in my undergrad, I was a teaching assistant for Anatomy and Physiology I and American Sign Language. These formative experiences sparked my passion for teaching, fostering meaningful relationships with students, and improving educational methods.
Outside of the lab, I spend time with my partner and service dog, Henry, a two-year-old standard poodle, exploring walking trails around Athens.
We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces
We cultivate an environment where lab members are encouraged to advocate broadly and work collaboratively. Our lab is both a brave community and a supportive space for students to engage in meaningful discipline-based education research. Our aim is for such scholarship to support actionable changes in STEM education practice and theory.
CORPUS Education Lab collaborates and engages with several science education researchers and communities of practice. Learn more about our colleagues and additional resources in the links below!
