Dr. Nicole Porther

ABOUT ME

My core belief is that we should strive to be life-long learners as we will face situations that challenge our perceptions about the world and encounter ideas and perspectives different from our own. While this goal is important for education in all fields, I consider it to be critical in Public Health and Health-related fields as students will interact with diverse populations and deep-seated social problems that are pervasive in and outside of the classroom. 

In my courses, you will be encouraged to be thoughtful, critical, engaged, independent thinkers both within and outside the learning space, whether it is the traditional face-to-face or online environment. I facilitate an environment of participation where respectful dialogue and active listening is encouraged. I hold firm the conviction that our students, regardless of race or socioeconomic background can be successful learners if we do not compromise our expectations and underestimate students’ abilities capacity learn and thrive. 

RESEARCH/CREATIVE INTERESTS

As a trained public health professional with a doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology, my research agenda is focused on understanding of how biology contributes to health disparities and how biological factors interact with other relevant factors, such as diet and the environment. I am also involved in our local schools by teaching future scientists, biology and public health principles.