Linda Strausbaugh, Ph.D.

Faculty Excellence in Teaching - Undergraduate Level, 2009

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Nominated By: Rachel O'Neill

Linda Strausbaugh's research interests are in DNA identity typing for forensic and ancestry applications, and in genome evolution. She designed and obtained funding to create UConn's Center for Applied Genetics and Technology, a state-of-the-art facility supporting integrated genomics research and education. Multimillion dollar awards support her DNA typing research for crime lab improvement, and she leads collaborations with several corporate partners to develop new DNA identification methods.

Professor Strausbaugh is recognized locally and nationally as an education innovator. She has developed and taught a number of genetics courses, including all three of the genetics courses for undergraduates. Her genetics class was named a "Best on Campus" in the Boston Globe. Dr. Strausbaugh played key roles in the creation and teaching of courses on Forensic Applications of DNA Science, Experiments in DNA Identification, and Responsible Conduct of Research. She was named a 1997 Teaching Fellow of the University of Connecticut, and is a 2010 Top Nominee for the national Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching. She is active in local and national diversity initiatives and was named a 1998 NEBHE Faculty Mentor of the Year. Dr. Strausbaugh has served as mentor and research supervisor to dozens of undergraduate and graduate students.

She conceived of and directs the Professional Science Masters in Applied Genomics. PSM degrees are designed to address the national shortage of science-trained professionals, and Dr. Strausbaugh works routinely with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and several companies.

"They say there is one teacher that each of us will remember for being more than an educator and making a lasting impact on the lives of their students. Linda Strausbaugh is that professor for me and for countless others. She is a person of many words, but her actions speak louder than any lesson ever will. Her students have continually succeeded in all walks of life and they owe it all to her tutelage and guidance." - Craig O'Connor, PhD