About Jennifer
My area of expertise is the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, particularly in large-enrollment microbiology and immunology courses. I have made it my mission to move away from solely lecturing in my large courses and instead integrate active learning methodologies backed by research and shown to be effective. One of my passions is to create interactive learning experiences that help students learn material on a deeper level so they can practice applying concepts and thinking like a scientist. Just as I do when I plan a scientific experiment, when designing a learning experience, I start at the end and think about what the expected results should be. In other words, I use backwards design when developing new class activities, first identifying topics my students struggle with most and then asking myself, “What do I want students to be able to do in the end?” Focusing on the active nature of this question helps me write measurable learning outcomes and to create meaningful learning experiences that align with those learning outcomes. This alignment piece gives me confidence that my students are reaching the learning goals I have set for them and that my methods are effective in helping them get there.
Teaching Awards
Provost’s N. Preston Davis Award for Instructional Innovation (2011)
Innovative Instructional Methodology Award in Undergraduate Education (2011)
CVMBS Faculty Teaching Award (2020)
CSU Board of Governors Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (2024)
Spring Courses
MIP300 General Microbiology
MIP342 Immunology
MIP384 Supervised College Teaching
Education
PhD, Colorado State University, 2003BA, Concordia College, Moorhead, 1996
Publications
Popichak, K.A., Gruber, P., Suchman, E.L., McLean, J.L. (2025) Implementing an Undergraduate Learning Assistant Model to Foster Engagement and Professional Development in Microbiology Courses. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education (jmbe00042-25R1)Popichak, K.A., Krupinsky, K., Worthington, D., Fredricks S., Takahashi-Ruiz, L., Howerton, M., Henao-Tamayo, M., Suchman, E., McLean, J.L. (2025) Enhancing Student Understanding of Genetic Cloning Through a 3D-Printed Active Learning Activity and Flipped Classroom Curriculum. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education. 26(1). doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00188-24 Worthington, D., Warnock, A., Viney, M., Jordan, V., McLean, J., Hassell, K., Judish, L., and Butler. (2023) Going Viral! A Hands-on Science Kit Examining Viruses, Bacteria, Vaccines, and the Immune System. The Science Teacher. 90(3): 25-32. Suchman, E. L., McLean, J. L., Denham, S., Shatila, D. (2018). Modeling Antibody-epitope Interactions with 3D printed Kits in Large or Small Lecture courses. Human Anatomy Physiology Society, Educator, 22(1), 73-78.Kogan, L. R., Hellyer, P. W., Clapp, T. R., Suchman, E., McLean, J., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R. (2017). Use of short animal-themed videos to enhance veterinary students' mood, attention, and understanding of pharmacology lectures. JVME, jvme:utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/jvme.1016-162r.J. L. McLean and E. L. Suchman. Using Magnets and Classroom Flipping to Promote Student Engagement and Learning about Protein Translation in a Large Microbiology Class. 2016. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education 17(2): 288-89. Impact factor: 0.30. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.v17i2.1048. J. L. McLean and E. L. Suchman. Video Lecture Capture Technology Helps Students Study without Affecting Attendance in Large Microbiology Lecture Courses. 2016. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education 17(3): 480-81. Impact factor: 0.30. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.v17i3.1123. M. Breer, B. Christensen and J. L. Taylor. Models in Movies: Teaching Abstract Concepts in Concrete Models. 2012. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education 13(1). Impact factor: 0.30. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.v13i1.376.