Heather Lerner
Research Fellow
Dr. Heather Lerner is an evolutionary biologist and informal STEM researcher who joined Knology as a Research Fellow in 2019. She is currently studying the role of informal STEM centers as agents of social change. Working particularly for underrepresented groups, her research projects address the multi-dimensional impact of exhibits, events, and visitor-docent interactions on identity, STEM retention, and civic engagement. She has developed STEM exhibits and experiences for the University of Michigan Natural History Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoo, and the Joseph Moore Museum. She also uses museum biological collections to investigate the current and future impacts of climate change on species distributions, behavior, and persistence. Heather is an Associate Professor of Biology and Museum Studies at Earlham College and the Director of the Joseph Moore Museum.
