Dr. Kelsie MarEdith Bernot
Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University
B.S., Biology, Duquesne University
Prior Experience
Associate Professor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Postdoctoral Fellow, The Ohio State University
Postdoctoral Fellow, The National Cancer Institute
I’m passionate about engaging student voices into both my research and my teaching, especially by reducing academic barriers and empowering students. Although I was trained as a cancer biologist, I spent a decade studying STEM education research – assessing mechanisms to improve student success in science. I focused on how community-engaged research experiences can change students’ perceptions of and interest in science.
Bethany Stanhope and I have funding from the National Science Foundation to expand entrepreneurship and research training for biosciences students while strengthening partnerships between Florida Atlantic University and local industry. The project will help build a stronger pipeline connecting undergraduate research experiences, workforce development, and the regional biotechnology sector.
I also lead an interdisciplinary team—Raquel Assis (Engineering and Computer Science, Computer Engineering), Andia Chaves-Fonnegra (Harbor Branch and WHC, Biology), and Yaouen Fily (WHC, Physics) in a VIP (Vertically Integrated Projects) program. This project engages undergraduate and graduate students in investigating the microecosystems of marine sponges and terrestrial gopher tortoise burrows. Although these systems appear quite different, both are dark environments that serve as habitats for diverse communities of organisms and contribute to nutrient cycling. The project will engage approximately 15 students each year, from first-year undergraduates to graduate students, in an authentic, multidisciplinary research experience.
Finally, I study gopher tortoises – their microbiome, their parasites and pathogens, and their own genomics in collaboration with Jon Moore. Gopher tortoises are a threatened species important for our local ecosystem because they share the deep burrows that they dig with hundreds of other species and are protected under Florida state law.
I teach Biological Principles, Immunology, Genetics, and Honors Thesis in Molecular Genetics. I use many diverse teaching strategies that researchers have shown are effective in helping students learn. I care about each and every student, and I’m passionate about biology – you’ll feel both of these emotions in my classes! I love helping students apply their biology content and skills to solve real world problems, particularly when we take an interdisciplinary focus.
On a personal note, I enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, cycling, running, triathlons, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and golf – really anything that involves exercise and the outdoors. I also curl every Sunday as part of the Loggerhead Curling Club (yes – that sport on ice that you see in the Olympics every four years). Recently I started bagpipe lessons! I enjoy reading, though I more frequently listen to audiobooks. My partner John and I are originally from Pittsburgh, PA, so we love all things black and gold (Go Steelers!). We also enjoy traveling, checking out breweries, and spending time with our dog and cats.
SR 231, 561-799-8044