Karen Thickman, Ph.D.
University of Washington
Karen Thickman, Ph.D.'s fascination with using the scientific method to understand the world started with backyard experiments. She went on to earn a degree in biophysical chemistry from Dartmouth College and her Ph.D. in biophysics from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After a postdoc at the University of Pittsburgh, she transitioned to teaching faculty roles.
Thickman spent 5 years teaching at Carnegie Mellon University in the Department of Computational Biology, where she first developed her interest in genomics and computational analysis. In 2015, she moved to the University of Washington, where she now holds the position of associate teaching professor in the department of microbiology. At the University of Washington, she has developed multiple laboratory modules, genomics courses and a study abroad program. Thickman aims to help students better understand biology and microbiology through laboratory exercises. Thickman is a member of the Bio-Grading for Growth community and has been experimenting with the use of alternative grading in her courses. Thickman is committed to helping students learn and grow as scientists and sharing resources with fellow faculty members to help them learn and grow as educators.
Thickman spent 5 years teaching at Carnegie Mellon University in the Department of Computational Biology, where she first developed her interest in genomics and computational analysis. In 2015, she moved to the University of Washington, where she now holds the position of associate teaching professor in the department of microbiology. At the University of Washington, she has developed multiple laboratory modules, genomics courses and a study abroad program. Thickman aims to help students better understand biology and microbiology through laboratory exercises. Thickman is a member of the Bio-Grading for Growth community and has been experimenting with the use of alternative grading in her courses. Thickman is committed to helping students learn and grow as scientists and sharing resources with fellow faculty members to help them learn and grow as educators.