The Explorer’s Guide to Biology (XBio) is an open-access online educational resource that provides users with the same information that would be included in a chapter of a standard life science textbook but using stories of discovery to provide context for that information. The mission of XBio is “To shine a light on the scientific process by revealing the evidence-based reasoning, humanity, and beauty behind the great discoveries in biology.”
As associate director of the project my responsibilities included: digital content development, scientific writing, author recruitment, funding acquisition, partner development and support, and outreach/marketing around the project goals.
About the Project
From the website: Many undergraduate students approach biology with initial excitement but leave their courses discouraged after memorizing facts with little understanding of how they were initially found. The wonder of biology, the thrill of discovery, and process of science are not being communicated. XBio’s audacious goal is to rethink biology education by offering students a more exciting and accurate window into the detective work of science through content that combines storytelling with a presentation of the key evidence behind a breakthrough.
We provide these materials for free, recognizing the financial burden imposed on students by the cost of textbooks. Our hope is that students, whether they become scientists or not, enjoy learning science and understand it as a process of curiosity-driven questioning, evidence-based reasoning, and a human journey of passion and resilience, all of which are applicable to many careers and facets of life. See For Learners and For Educators for more information on using XBio.
My Bio Video for XBio:
Materials and Content I Created:
Educator Materials: https://explorebiology.org/for-educator
Neurobiology Bio-Concept: https://explorebiology.org/collections/all/neurobiology
Bio-Dictionary: https://explorebiology.org/bio-dictionary
While the above are the materials I drafted on my one, there were many team members who were instrumental in prodicing the final products. In addition, I had my hand in creating all content on XBio from drafting and editing text to conducting interviews with out scientist authors to input on the design and functionality of the website.