Bio: Dr. Ara Austin received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Minors in Psychology and Communication Studies in 2011 and Ph.D. in Chemistry Education in 2018, all from Arizona State University. As the Director of Online Engagement & Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Austin focuses on efforts that increase experiential learning opportunities for online students across The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Prior to this role, Dr. Austin served as the Managing Director of Online Programs for the School of Molecular Sciences, successfully launching online degree programs in biochemistry and chemistry which include accelerated in-person laboratory courses that provide crucial hands-on experiences to online students pursuing STEM degrees. 

Research: In terms of research, Dr. Austin's work has been dedicated to analyzing the effects of socio-cognitive (motivation and self-regulation) and socio-cultural (instructor gender effects, stereotype threat, and cultural/social capital) factors on student performance in organic chemistry courses at ASU and also at University of Rochester. She has also studied these factors with the ASU Online population in recent years.