Robin Forbes-Lorman
Associate Professor of Biology
- Postdoctoral Scholar, biology education research
- Ph.D. in behavioral neuroendocrinology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- B.A. in Biology, Earlham College
Hi! I teach biology, primarily Anatomy and Physiology. I carry out behavioral neuroendocrinology research (hormones on the brain and behavior) in rats. I am particularly interested in the role of steroid hormones in social and sexual behaviors, as well as the neuropeptides vasopressin and oxytocin in social behaviors. I also carry out pedagogy research on how students learn. I grew up in Madison, WI and got my B.A. from Earlham College, a school about the same size as Ripon. I got my MS and PhD from UW-Madison in behavioral neuroendocrinology, did a postdoc in biology education research, then taught for two years at Evergreen College in Olympia, Washington. I currently live in Ripon with my husband, two kids, two dogs, and chickens. I am a runner and hope to get back into triathlons soon (I am a 2x Ironman).
What’s your favorite topic or course to teach and why?
Anatomy and Physiology- it’s a very integrative topic that incorporates different aspects of biology, chemistry, and some physics and art. I’m always learning more!
Briefly describe a favorite assignment or in-class activity.
An undergraduate-level medical case study, where students diagnose their own patient.
What is your teaching philosophy in 8 words or fewer?
Facilitating collaborative, problem-based inquiry, and experiential learning