Prof. Melissa Gehret

Education:

B.A., Biology, Temple University
M.A., Biology, Temple University

Courses Taught:

BIOL 100 -- General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
BIOL 101 -- Foundations of Biology (Lab)
BIOL 263 -- Cell and Developmental Biology (Lab)
BIOL 254 -- Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 (Lab)
BIOL 255 -- Anatomy

Areas of Specialization:

Entomology, Genetics, Biochemistry

Research Interest(s):

While at Temple University, I worked on various methods of biological control for economically important insects.  I specifically researched and biologically characterized components of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) pheromone. I am currently doing literary research on biological control using food attractants and stimulants to attract domestic organisms.

Besides doing scientific research I am also involved in educational studies. In collaboration with Kutztown University, I am researching the effectiveness of tutoring in a general education course, through a grant that I received.  The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of tutoring in a non-major’s biology course by looking at which type of tutoring is more effective in class, either supplemental instruction or individual tutoring. I am also investigating which method of promoting tutoring in the class is more effective, either general announcement or intrusive encouragement.  I have also co-organized the Kutztown University Biology Peer Mentoring Program. The peer mentors are upper class students who work with freshmen and transfer students in the Biology Department, helping them to succeed academically, socially, and personally during their transition to college.