Vinayak Mathur

Education

• B.E. - Biotechnology at Manipal Institute of Technology, India
• Ph.D. - Evolutionary Biology at University of Pennsylvania
• Teaching Postdoc - Department of Biology at Georgetown University

Teaching

• BISC 207 - Introductory Biology - I
• BISC 208 - Introductory Biology - II
• BISC 300 - Introduction to Microbiology

Research Interests

My previous research focused on microbial genomics and application of bioinformatics to answer questions of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and bacteriophages. I received a doctorate in biology from the University of Pennsylvania, where I studied the effect of short-term adult plasticity on climatic adaptation of Drosophila melanogaster. I completed my postdoctoral training from Georgetown University, where I was involved in the Genome Solver Project (qubeshub.org/community/groups/genomesolver).

I am passionate about undergraduate biology education and research bioinformatic teaching tools and their implementation in the undergraduate classroom. My teaching style relies heavily on the CURE model (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience). In the classroom, my students work collaboratively to develop novel research projects and engage with the scientific process.

Current Project

Investigating student perception of generative AI models as a learning tool

Studying student perceptions of ChatGPT and other AI models is essential to understanding how these tools influence learning, academic performance, and skill development. Understanding students' perspectives helps educators identify the most effective ways to incorporate these tools while addressing concerns such as over-reliance, ethical issues, and the potential for diminished critical thinking skills. Additionally, research on perception can highlight disparities in how different student groups access and use AI, guiding equitable integration across diverse educational settings. It can also inform the development of policies and training programs that maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating risks like misinformation and academic dishonesty. Ultimately, such studies ensure that these technologies are aligned with students' needs and the broader goals of education.