Christopher Abdullah
Christopher Abdullah
Assistant Professor of Biology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Calif., 2017
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Penn., 2009
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Penn., 2009
Christopher Abdullah's academic career has been driven by his understanding the "nuts and bolts" of biology. He is fascinated by the molecular mechanisms that underly human physiology and disease. As an educator, he encourages students to get involved in research and has designed several of his courses to be Course-based Education Research Experiences (CUREs) that can increase student participation in the research process. Abdullah is also interested in pedagogical research that assesses the role of CUREs in biology education as well as student efficacy and perceptions.
Research Interests
- Molecular and cellular drivers of human disease
- Student perceptions of being a scientist
- Effectiveness of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) on student performance
- Development of science process skills
Courses Taught
- BIOL121: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- BIOL175: Molecular and Cellular Biology
- BIOL408/409: Research Methods and Lab (CURE course)
- BIOL330/332: Basis of Disease and Lab (CURE course)
- BIOL420/421: Cellular Physiology and Lab (CURE Course)
Certifications and Memberships
- Honors Program Advisory Committee member
- Springfield College Seminar Committee member
- Van der Beck Awards Committee member
- Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research member
Selected Works
Presentations
- Handron D*, Russo A*, Abdullah C. Predicted GBA2 ortholog CG33090 mutants display viability and neuromuscular phenotypes in Drosophila. Boston Area Drosophila Conference 2024. Worcester, MA. *SC undergraduate Mentee
- Handron D*, Russo A*, Abdullah C. Development of a GBA2-associated neuromuscular disease model in Drosophila. Boston Area Drosophila Conference 2023. Waltham, MA. *SC undergraduate Mentee
- Abdullah C. Effects of a cancer model organism course on student self-efficacy and attitudes about science. The Allied Genetics Conference 2020.
