Mackenzie is a fourth-year student majoring in Microbiology and plans to attend medical school after graduation. With a strong interest in academia, Mackenzie hopes to use insights gained from current research projects to build meaningful connections with faculty and contribute to education research in the future.
Sophia is a third-year student majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Business. Passionate about advocating for women’s health, she is driven to contribute to impactful projects in both healthcare and education. Currently, her research interests focus on improving undergraduate Biology courses at ASU by developing strategies that foster a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. Her long-term goal is to become an OBGYN physician, providing care and support for women while advancing the field through meaningful contributions.
Matthew is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Sustainable Food Systems. He is particularly interested in the intersections of academic integrity, generative AI usage, and student–instructor relationships, and how these dynamics influence learning outcomes. A Chandler, Arizona native, Matthew values his Christian faith and devotion to family above all else. With a strong passion for human physiology, he plans to apply to medical school next year and aspires to become a physician-scientist, combining patient care with research.
Kennedy is a senior undergraduate double-majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology. Kennedy is deeply interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology, particularly in healthcare and academic settings. Through participation in Project GenZ with Sara, Kennedy’s research interests have expanded to include teacher–student interactions and how these relationships influence information intake and classroom success. Looking ahead, Kennedy plans to begin an accelerated nursing program in Fall 2026 to earn a BSN-RN and pursue a career as a registered nurse.
Kennedy is a senior undergraduate double-majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience, set to graduate early in December. Through involvement in Project GenZ, Kennedy has explored biology education research and gained valuable skills that continue to shape academic interests. Kennedy is particularly fascinated by the impact of technological changes on Gen Z’s behavior and learning patterns, as well as how relationships with instructors and peers foster academic achievement.
Tillie is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She has a passion for psychology and neurology research. She is interested in Project GenZ due seeing the different techniques of teaching demonstrated in the classrooms and observing how that affects students' learning.
I am entering my third year as a Biomedical Sciences major with a strong interest in biology education research. Through Project GenZ, I study how Generation Z students perceive academic integrity, trust, and engagement in undergraduate science classrooms. In addition to my academic work, I am gaining clinical experience as a medical scribe at an orthopedic clinic and as a volunteer at a hospice, both of which have strengthened my commitment to patient-centered care. I aspire to pursue a career in medicine, integrating scientific knowledge, research, and compassion into my future practice.
Busch, C. A., Bhanderi, P. B., Cooper, K. M., & Brownell, S. E. (2025).
2230 undergraduate biology students were randomly assigned to watch one of two teaching demonstration videos and evaluate an instructor actor. The videos were identical except, in one version, the instructor revealed an LGB identity. Regardless of a state’s LGBTQ+ acceptance, undergraduates’ perceptions of instructors were unaffected by brief LGBTQ+ disclosure.
Congrats to first author and former PhD student Carly Busch!
Over 2500 students learning about evolution were randomly assigned videos that had 1) no conflict-reducing practices, 2) conflict-reducing practices implemented by a non-religious instructor, or 3) conflict-reducing practices implemented by a Christian instructor. Conflict-reducing practices led to decreased conflict, increased compatibility, and increased acceptance of human evolution compared with the video without conflict-reducing practices.