Michelle Edgcomb Friday

Biography

Ms. Edgcomb Friday was an adjunct faculty member at Bradley University from 1998-2004. She taught courses in biology and chemistry. Since becoming a full-time member of the biology department in 2004, she has specialized in teaching interdisciplinary, investigative science for both in-service and pre-service educators. Her undergraduate and graduate courses explore biology and physical science content through student-developed research projects.

Scholarship

Ms. Edgcomb Friday’s current research interests focus on the professional development of scientists and science educators. She studies how instructional approaches impact student learning and how mentoring helps novice researchers develop as scientists. She is the co-author of several refereed journal articles and one book chapter. She has published in the fields of biophysical chemistry, organic chemistry, and science education.

Service

Active within the science education community, Ms. Edgcomb Friday works with local pK-8 teachers and Bradley students to provide hands-on science experiences to Peoria-area primary students. She serves on the organizing committee for Bradley University’s annual National Lab Network Day and was the co-chair of the Girls CAN! (science, technology, engineering, and math) program. She is the current chairperson for National Chemistry Week for the Illinois Heartland Local Section of the American Chemical Society. Within the Biology Department, Ms. Edgcomb Friday is academic advisor for the Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS) and she is on the departmental assessment committee. She serves on Bradley University’s PKAL-Keck FIDL team and on the planning and assessment committee for two graduate programs (elementary math and science education and secondary environmental science education). She is the Biology Department representative to the Teacher Preparation Program Advisory Council (TPPAC) and to the NCATE re-accreditation committee.