Biology Education

Aisling’s love for the natural world began in childhood as she explored her backyard in rural upstate New York. She studied Biology at Smith College, then worked in a cancer biology laboratory before pursuing her PhD at Brown University and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Tufts University. Her research focused on host-pathogen interactions, investigating how viruses and bacteria establish infections and evade natural defenses. After a decade as an Associate Professor at Assumption University,Aisling returned to Brown in 2021, where she now centers her work on excellence in teaching and STEM education research. In the classroom, she strives to make learning a joyful and meaningful experience by incorporating primary literature, archival research, bioethical discussions, and creative, collaborative assignments. By connecting the sciences to history and the humanities, she encourages students to appreciate how science intersects with many other disciplines. She is also dedicated to helping students build a strong foundation in the biological sciences to support their future academic and professional success. Aisling teaches BIOL 0510 Introductory Microbiology, BIOL 0530 Principles of Microbiology, and BIOL 1945 Outbreaks and Infection.