Rate My Professor Kelli Taeger

Kelli Taeger serves as Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Health and Human Physiology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. She earned her PhD in Science Education from the University of Iowa in 2006, with a doctoral thesis titled "A comparison of retention of anatomical knowledge in an introductory college biology course: Traditional dissection vs. virtual dissection." Her academic background also includes an MS in Exercise Science from the University of Iowa in 2003 and a BS in Biology from Loras College in 1998, with supporting areas in Sociology. Taeger joined the University of Iowa as a Lecturer in 2015, following adjunct instructor roles at the University of Iowa (2014-2015), Kirkwood Community College (2014-2015), and Southeastern Community College (2004-2014). Her teaching portfolio encompasses Human Anatomy (HHP:1100), Human Anatomy Laboratory (HHP:1110), and Human Growth and Motor Development (HHP:3300). Key innovations include a complete curricular redesign of Human Anatomy lectures in 2018 to align with Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning objectives, full adaptation to online delivery in 2020 utilizing dissection software for labs and exams, and contributions to the Hawkeye Introductory Courses Project since 2021, featuring frequent low-stakes quizzes, mid-lecture concept check-ins, student testimonials, transparency in assignments, and the establishment of an anatomical model study center in the UI Main Library.

Taeger's presentations at the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society Annual Conference in Albuquerque, NM, in 2023 include "Hawkeye Introductory Courses Project: Improving Student Engagement in a Large, Lecture-Based Introductory Human Anatomy Course" (with Jennifer Rogers, Ray Fagenbaum, Jamie Tanas, Stephanie Preschel), "Hawkeye Introductory Courses Project: Evaluating Withdrawal Patterns in a Large Lecture-Based Introductory Human Anatomy Course" (with Ray Fagenbaum, Jennifer Rogers), and "Hawkeye Introductory Courses Project: A Collaborative Effort to Transform Undergraduate STEM Courses" (with Jennifer Rogers, Ray Fagenbaum, Stephanie Preschel, Jamie Tanas). She received the UI Dance Marathon Faculty/Staff of the Year award in 2020 and was featured in College Magazine's "10 U Iowa Professors you will be Thankful you Learned From" in 2018. Taeger holds leadership roles such as Chair of the Lecturer Search Committee (2022-present), member of the Scholarship Committee (2019-present), Supervisor of Human Anatomy Lab (2018-present), and Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Officer (2018-present). She has been recognized by students for her dedication to their success and impact on their lives.