Sandi Connelly Headshot

Sandi Connelly

Principal Lecturer

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
sjcsbi@rit.edu
585-475-5602
Office Location
GOS-1266
Office Mailing Address
85 Lomb Memorial Drive, 1266 Gosnell Hall, Rochester, NY 14623

Sandi Connelly

Principal Lecturer

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science

Education

BS, Juniata College; MS, University at Buffalo; Ph.D., Miami University of Ohio

Bio

Dr. Sandra J. Connelly joined RIT in 2007. Every term, Dr. Connelly teaches foundational biology lectures (traditional General Biology and online Explorations in Biology) engaging hundreds of students with diverse interests from all colleges at RIT, freshmen through seniors. Further, Dr. Connelly teaches Evolutionary Biology and Interdisciplinary Biology and Chemistry to upper-level Life Sciences majors annually. Dr. Connelly is active in the promotion and design of online learning for RIT students, engaging students in interdisciplinary research initiatives, networking with local K12 and Community Colleges to enhance STEM learning at all levels, and in streamlining assessment strategies for large enrollment courses. Dr. Connelly stays active in the research community through invited talks, serving as a panel expert for NASA and the NSF, and freelance writing of inclusive course materials for non-science majors. Dr. Connelly states, 'The inquisitive nature of RIT students drives an infinite loop. Faculty want to work harder because the students want to advance their educational endeavors every year, making the faculty want to improve. We have truly unique students with unlimited potential — making the sky the starting point, not the limit, for RIT faculty.' To learn more, visit the Connelly Lab.

sjcsbi@rit.edu
585-475-5602
Personal Links
Curriculum Vitae
LinkedIn
YouTube
Areas of Expertise
Ecotoxicology
UV-induced DNA Damage
Freshwater Ecosystems
Genomic Evolution
Interdisciplinary Research
Science Outreach
Inclusive Education
General Education Assessment

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Taylor, Derek J., Sandra J. Connelly, and A.A. Kotov. "The Intercontinental Phylogeography of Neustonic Daphniids." Scientific Reports 10. 1 (2020): 1-12. Web.
Moore, Elizabeth, et al. "Cascading Ecological Impacts of Fullerenes in Freshwater Ecosystems." Environmental Toxicology 38. 8 (2019): 1714-1723. Print.
Connelly, Sandra J., Katilin Meier, and Madeline Becker. "Inquiry and Investigations: Salamander antipredator defenses: A field exercise to engage students in ecosystem dynamics." The American Biology Teacher 79. 7 (2017): 564-570. Print.
Lynn, Matthew, et al. "Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Hearing Students in an Introductory Biology Course: College Readiness, Social Learning Styles, and Success." Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities 29. 1 (2017): 173-201. Print.
Connelly, Sandra J., et al. "Effect of Clonal Selection on Daphnia Tolerance to Experimental Conditions." PLOS ONE. (2016): 1-13. Web.
Connelly, Sandra J, et al. "UV-Stressed Daphnia pulex Increase Fitness through Uptake of Vitamin D3." Plos One. (2015): 0-0. Web.
Connelly, Sandra J. "Transpiration & Chemical Vapors." National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science. (2016): 0-0. Web.
Poland, Daniel M, et al. "Variation in Symbiodinium Communities in Juvenile Briareum Asbestinum (Cnidaria: Octocorallia) Over Temporal and Spatial Scales." Marine Ecology Progress Series 476. (2013): 23-37. Print.
Rose, Kevin C, et al. "The Role of Ultraviolet Radiation and Fish in Regulating the Vertical Distribution of Daphnia." Limnology and Oceanography 57. 6 (2012): 1867-1876. Print.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Connelly, Sandra J. and Jeffrey L. Mills. "Real World STEM Experience in a Workshop-based Course Design." Science Teachers Association of New York State, Annual Meeting, 2016. Science Teachers Association of New York State. Rochester, NY. 7 Nov. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Connelly, Sandi and Jeff Mills. "Non-tasters vs. Super-tastersThe Chemistry and Biology of Your Favorite Foods!" Faculty Showcase. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY. 14 Jan. 2015. Lecture.
Connelly, Sandra J and Jeffrey L Mills. "Non-tasters vs. Super-tasters: The Chemistry and Biology of Your Favorite Foods!" Science Exploration Day. Central Western Section of the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Rochester, NY. 15 May 2015. Lecture.
Connelly, Sandi. "How I Flipped My Class – Or, What I did Last Semester!" Cornell University Flipped Class Workshop. Cornell University. Ithaca, NY. 19 Jun. 2014. Keynote Speech.
Connelly, Sandi. "Course Design on the Quick." New Faculty Orientation. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, United States. 14 Aug. 2014. Lecture.
Connelly, Sandi. "How I Flipped My Class – Or, Why I Did What I Did!" EdTech Showcase. National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Rochester, NY. 12 Nov. 2014. Lecture.
Connelly, Sandi. "Identifying Life on Earth (& Elsewhere?)." Introduction to Astronomy Course. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY. 9 Dec. 2014. Guest Lecture.
National/International Competition Award Winner
Connelly, Sandra J. D2L Corporation. Brightspace Accessibility Award. Washington, D.C., 2016.
Connelly, Sandra J. Online Learning Consortium. Effective Practice Award. Dallas, TX, 2015.
Connelly, Sandra J. Online Learning Consortium. 2015 Sloan-C Effective Practice Award. Orlando, FL, 2015.
Published Article
Tucker, AJ., C.E.Williamson, K.C. Rose, J.T. Oris, S.J. Connelly, M.H. Olson, D.L. Mitchell. “Ultraviolet radiation affects invasibility of lake ecosystems by warm-water fish.” Ecology, 91:3 (2010): 882-890. Print. «

Currently Teaching

BIOG-101
Explorations in Cellular Biology and Evolution
3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to cellular, molecular, and evolutionary biology. Topics will include: a study of the basic principles of modern cellular biology, including cell structure and function; the chemical basis and functions of life, including enzyme systems and gene expression; and the origin of life and evolutionary patterns of organism development on Earth.
BIOG-102
Explorations in Animal and Plant Anatomy and Physiology
3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to animal and plant anatomy and physiology, in addition to the fundamentals of ecology. Topics will include: animal development; animal body systems; plant development; unique plant systems; Earth’s terrestrial and aquatic environments; population and community ecology; animal behavior; and conservation biology.
BIOG-103
Explorations in Cell Biology & Evolution Lab
1 Credits
Virtual laboratory work to complement the online course Explorations in Cell Biology & Evolution (BIOG101). The experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of basic cellular and molecular biology, microscopy, microevolution, and to develop basic scientific techniques, all in a virtual setting. Co-requisite: BIOG101: Explorations in Cell Biology & Evolution Lecture.
BIOG-104
Explorations in Animal & Plant Anatomy & Physiology Lab
1 Credits
Laboratory work to complement the online Explorations in Animal & Plant Anatomy & Physiology (BIOG102). The virtual experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of animal and plant anatomy and physiology, increase understanding of ecosystem interactive components, and improve ability to make, record and interpret observations. Co-requisite: BIOG102: Explorations in Animal & Plant Anatomy & Physiology.
BIOL-101
General Biology I
3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to cellular, molecular, and evolutionary biology. Topics will include: a study of the basic principles of modern cellular biology, including cell structure and function; the chemical basis and functions of life, including enzyme systems and gene expression; and the origin of life and evolutionary patterns of organism development on Earth.
BIOL-102
General Biology II
3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to animal and plant anatomy and physiology, in addition to the fundamentals of ecology. Topics will include: animal development; animal body systems; plant development; unique plant systems; Earth's terrestrial and aquatic environments; population and community ecology; animal behavior; and conservation biology.
BIOL-104
General Biology II Lab
1 Credits
This course provides laboratory work to complement the material of General Biology II. The experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of animal and plant anatomy and physiology, develop laboratory skills and techniques for experimenting with live organisms, and improve ability to make, record, and interpret observations.
BIOL-189
Introductory Special Topics
1 - 4 Credits
This is an introductory course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures. (Permission of instructor)
BIOL-265
Evolutionary Biology
4 Credits
This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation.
BIOL-295
Biology Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their first three years of study.
BIOL-298
Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their first three years of study.
BIOL-301
Undergraduate Teaching Experience
1 - 4 Credits
This course allows students to assist in a class or laboratory for which they have previously earned credit. The student will assist the instructor in the operation of the course. Assistance by the student may include fielding questions, helping in workshops, and assisting in review sessions. In the case of labs, students may also be asked to help with supervising safety practices, waste manifestation, and instrumentation.
BIOL-345
Molecular Ecology
3 Credits
This course explores the biology of populations and communities of organisms using molecular data. As DNA, RNA and proteins are nearly universal between organisms, the principles taught in this course will have wide applications, both within ecology and throughout many sub-disciplines of biology. Furthermore, this course will prepare students to apply the techniques in numerous research fields. The primary literature and worldwide applications of the field of molecular ecology will be incorporated into the course.
BIOL-372
Biology Without Walls
3 Credits
Join a team of Life Science students to delve into a real-world field course. We will explore terrestrial, aquatic, invertebrate, vertebrate, plants and fungus together to understand the impacts of climate change and humans on ecosystems from the perspective of a glaciated, protected field site. Learn to work in the field, collect and analyze samples of all kinds, network with scientists, and build a skill set that will prepare you for your future. This course will have online and in person components in the semester, and we will travel to the field site at for an immersive field experience. Students must attend all sessions, including several days at the field site, to earn the credits for this course. Because this is a field-based course, travel to the selected field site is a requirement (e.g. a long-term field station in Northeast Pennsylvania). There will be an additional course fee assessed that will cover your expenses for travel, on site lodging, and food while away from RIT. Questions regarding travel or the fee should be directed to the course instructors.
BIOL-489
Special Topics
1 - 3 Credits
This is an advanced course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
BIOL-495
Advanced Biology Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
BIOL-498
Advanced Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their final two years of study.
BIOL-798
Grad Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed, graduate level tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum.
ITDS-189
Special Topics
1 - 3 Credits
This is an introductory course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures.

In the News

  • April 12, 2022

    artists rendering of a large classroom space with several smaller round tables and chairs.

    Simulated SHED classroom previews new learning space

    Walking into the extra-large classrooms in the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (the SHED) will be a new experience for students and faculty alike when the multi-use complex opens its doors in fall 2023. Faculty can preview the new learning environment during the 2022-2023 academic year by teaching in a large-capacity learning space designed to simulate the new active learning spaces in the SHED.

  • August 17, 2020

    jars of canned produce.

    Learn-to-can classes offered through RIT/GCV&M partnership

    With more people staying closer to home than ever before thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, home gardening has grown in popularity. And many will want to savor the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor long after summer has gone. So a series of online classes on how to preserve food is being offered through the ongoing partnership between RIT and the Genesee Country Village & Museum.

  • August 3, 2020

    professor looking at laptop.

    RIT faculty gearing up to apply spring learnings to fall classes

    The unexpected transition to remote learning during the spring semester challenged faculty across RIT to experiment, create, and deploy new methods of instruction to ensure student success. As the university gears up for in-person and online classes—or a combination of both—faculty members are applying a wide range of lessons learned from the spring to keep academic momentum moving forward in the fall.

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