Dr. Karine Gousset, the newly-appointed Chair of the Biology Department, has embraced the challenge and outlined her vision, encompassing three pillars: curriculum, research, and supporting students.

“As the biology department Chair, my primary goals are to modernize our curriculum, enhance our research infrastructure, and foster an environment that prioritizes student success,” Gousset said.

These objectives underscore the department’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of biological sciences while nurturing the next generation of biologists.

One standout feature of Gousset’s vision is her determination for the biology department to keep pace with rapid scientific advancements.

“From CRISPR to deep learning, scientific discoveries are advancing swiftly. As biologists, we must not only keep up with these breakthroughs but also integrate them into our research and teaching,” Gousset said.

CRISPR, the acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify an organism’s DNA.

Gousset’s embracing of emerging technology coincides with Fresno State’s focus on artificial intelligence and how to incorporate it into academics.

Under Gousset’s leadership, the department will encourage faculty to innovate with new courses and invest in course infrastructure that aligns with emerging technologies and methodologies.

Another central pillar of Gousset’s vision is promoting interdisciplinary research connections. Dr. Gousset envisions the creation of a college-wide seminar course where graduate research students from diverse disciplines—including biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering—can share their research findings.

“Together, we can help to shape the future of biology education and research and empower our students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners,” Dr. Karine Gousset said.

The initiative aims to provide fresh perspectives and collaborative problem-solving opportunities that transcend traditional departmental boundaries.

A critical element of the plan is the enhancement of research infrastructure. Dr. Gousset emphasized the department’s commitment to upgrading outdated research facilities, advocating for grants to acquire advanced shared equipment, and championing the development of collaborative research spaces, making them conducive to interdisciplinary work.

This investment in infrastructure will create an environment where researchers can push the boundaries of biological sciences.

Student success remains a top priority for Dr. Gousset. She intends to bolster mentorship opportunities, academic support, and student research prospects and offer a comprehensive educational experience.

“Together, we can help to shape the future of biology education and research and empower our students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners,” Gousset said.

Gousset holds a BS in biochemistry from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Davis.