This month, the Department of Biochemistry welcomed Rae Brown to the team of instructional faculty, whose primary role is developing and teaching undergraduate biochemistry courses. Get to know more about Rae through their Q&A below:
What did you major in as an undergraduate and what graduate degrees do you hold?
I double majored in biochemistry and biology at the University of Chicago. I got my PhD in biochemistry at Stanford University.
What courses do you teach?
BIOCHEM100 – Biochemistry Freshman Seminar
BIOCHEM551 – Biochemical Methods
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I love to see the students’ excitement and joy when they’re learning, whether it’s because they’ve finally understood a challenging concept, connected something we’re learning in the classroom to the world around them, or achieved a goal they’ve been working towards.
What tools or methods do you employ in your classes?
I use active learning approaches that help students engage with the material more fully. I also try to cater my teaching approach to different learning styles. Overall, I want to create a learning environment where students are comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, because that’s how you learn!
What are you looking forward to most in the 2025-26 academic year?
I’m excited to learn and grow alongside my students! I’m also looking forward to helping my students learn and achieve their goals.
5 Quick Questions:
Favorite movie: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Favorite book: A Psalm for the Wild-built by Becky Chambers (but it’s tough to choose!)
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite song or type of music: Classical music and operas
Favorite hobbies: Singing in choir, running, and spending time with my family