Looking for silver linings
Faculty quickly adapted their curricula for remote settings. For some science courses, computer research replaced labs, such as explorations related to the pandemic. Biology 201 students led by Jonathon Visick, professor of biology, used bioinformatics to research the SARS-COV-2 virus, Students in the Infectious Disease course taught by Greg Ruthig, associate professor of biology, modeled historic epidemics.
Chemistry professors made videos of lab assignments. “Students collected the data for graphs and other formats,” said Paul Brandt professor of chemistry. “The lab instructors could answer students’ questions during lab hours on Blackboard Collaborate.”
In the art and design department, “we adapted the assignments so students could work on projects at home (like sculpture for their yards/homes) though they might not be using the same materials as in the studio,” said Christine Rabenold, associate professor of art and design. She added that senior art majors held a virtual art exhibit in place of an annual gallery event on campus.