Rate My Professor April Maskiewicz

Dr. April Maskiewicz Cordero serves as Vice Provost of Educational Effectiveness and Professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), roles she assumed in 2023 and 2015, respectively. She joined the PLNU community in 2007 as faculty in the Department of Biology and Director of the University NOW program, continuing in the latter role until 2021. Previously, she held positions as Associate Professor of Biology (2009-2015) and Assistant Professor (2007-2009), along with interim roles such as Interim Associate Dean for Assessment & Instruction (2020-2021) and Dean of Educational Effectiveness (2021-2023). Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Science Education from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University (2006), with a dissertation titled Rethinking Biology Instruction: Applying DNR-based Instruction to the Learning and Teaching of Ecology; an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from UCSD (2000); a Single Subject Clear Credential in Life and Physical Sciences from UCSD (1992-1997); and a B.S. in General Biology from UCSD (1988). Earlier career highlights encompass postdoctoral research in UCSD's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2006-2007), adjunct faculty in Physics at San Diego State University (2003), graduate research associateships, teaching professor and science supervisor at UCSD Education Studies (2000-2001), and high school biology teaching at Rancho Buena Vista High School (1996-2000, 1992-1993) and middle schools.

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.