Ara Austin

Dr. Ara Austin is a "life-time" Sun-Devil, who received her BS in Biochemistry and Ph.D. in Chemistry all from ASU. She is now a Clinical Assistant Professor at ASU working specifically for the School of Molecular Sciences. Her role is to oversee the Online BS Biochemistry Degree, which is the first of its kind in the US.  She works closely with EdPlus, Career Services, and Pre-Health Advising to help students find success in the classroom and beyond.

This presentation will focus on the social impact that the Online BS Biochemistry Degree has had on reaching students who are traditionally missing from our on-campus STEM undergraduate population and how SMS, and ASU as a whole, is working to help these students find future success beyond the classroom.  With the launch of the Online Biochemistry Degree, SMS has seen a significant increase in the number of non-traditional students who come from low-income communities and are first-generation college goers.  This effort directly aligns with ASU's Charter of inclusivity and access in higher education.