Janet Lanza
Connector Between Teachers and Scientists
In the classroom, Professor Janet Lanza focuses her attention on ecology and science’s responsibilities in society. When she leaves the classroom, the biologist focuses her attention on how to improve science and math education in local schools. She increases attention for the UALR biology department through BioBuzz, a regular newsletter, and drafted the plan for a master of science program.
Since 1997, Dr. Lanza has directed the Arkansas STRIVE program, which provides professional development for secondary science, mathematics and technology teachers. Through STRIVE, 325 teachers have been placed in summer research programs designed to hone their skills in inquiry teaching and problem solving. The program maps changing trends in science education and help teachers determine what is best for their classrooms. Then, they are able to reach their own students with hands-on, active learning and inquiry teaching.
“STRIVE allows teachers to know the resources available,” Dr. Lanza said. “We map changing trends in science education and help teachers determine what’s best for their classrooms. Then, they are able to reach their own students with hands-on, active learning and inquiry teaching.”
In addition to her work in the classroom, Dr. Lanza serves as book review editor for the journal Ecology, published by the Ecological Society of America; she has held this voluntary position for over 15 years. In this position, Dr. Lanza receives hundreds of books a year for possible review and inclusion in the magazine. After the reviewing process is complete, she donates the books to the Ottenheimer Library. Each year, approximately $26,000 worth of books are donated – giving the library funds to use toward other areas of study and an excellent selection of the latest ecology texts.
Dr. Lanza earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Stoney Brook and her master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. She completed requirements for her doctoral degree in ecology from the University of Connecticut. She is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Association of Biology Teachers, and the Society for the Study of Evolution.