Rate My Professor April Maskiewicz

Dr. Cordero's research specializes in developing effective biology teaching strategies to cultivate students' factual knowledge and biological reasoning, particularly in ecology, evolution, carbon cycling, and energy/matter concepts, alongside investigating science students' perceptions of controversial topics like origins and evolution in relation to Christian faith. Key publications include What about evolution? A biologist, pastor, and theologian answer your Q's (Cordero, Work & Estes, 2022, Cascade Books); Sex Determination and the Human Person (Penner, Cordero & Nichols, 2023, TheoLogica); Reconciling Evolution: Evidence from a biology and theology course (Tolman et al., 2020, Evolution: Education and Outreach); Using a Reconciliation Module Leads to Large Gains in Evolution Acceptance (Lindsay et al., 2019, CBE-Life Sciences Education); Misconceptions are "so yesterday!" (Maskiewicz & Lineback, 2013, CBE-Life Sciences Education); and Understanding the co-construction of inquiry practices: A case study of a responsive teaching environment (Maskiewicz & Winters, 2012, Journal of Research in Science Teaching). She has served as principal or co-investigator on grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, John Templeton Foundation, NSF, and others. Awards include PLNU Excellence in Teaching Award (2018-19), Jean Fort Dissertation Prize (UCSD, 2006), and UCSD TA Excellence in Teaching Award (2004-05). Dr. Cordero leads PLNU's vision for a Developmental Learning Commons, oversees instructional support offices, and contributes to national science-faith initiatives as BioLogos Board member (2021-present), AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, & Religion advisory committee member (2021-present), and advisor to Science for the Church and other programs. She delivers public lectures, including TEDxPLNU on evolution and faith, and provides professional development for K-12 and higher education instructors.