Projects
- "From Classroom to Line of Duty: Empowering Firefighter Preparedness with BIOL204-Honor Contract Students and LearnerX Lab's Innovative Learning Tools." (2025) PI: B.Castro. In collaboration with undergraduate students: Ayush, Alana, and Carla. Funder: Office of Experiential Education, Purdue University).
- Integrating Human Physiology and Industrial Robotics through Smart Textiles and Immersive VR Experiences. (2025 BGR Entertainment Challenging). Ramses V. Martinez (Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering) and Beatriz Castro (College of Sciences).
- “Engaging Students in Renal Physiology with Interactive Study Tools and Scenario-based Case Studies”. PI: B. Castro. In collaboration with Prof. Stephanie Gardner, Prof. Lisa Hilliard, and Dr. Daniel Guberman. Funder: Hub Innovation Grant, Purdue University, 2024
- "Premium Lecture Learning Digital Materials Package" for BIOL203 & BIOL204 students. Principal Learning Resource Developer and Supervisor: B. Castro. These materials include interactive microlearning modules (Rise360), HTML flashcards, and H5P-based homework and quizzes. Funder: Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University (2024-2025).
Other Interests
- Experiential Learning through Immersive Digital Simulations (Scenario-based learning). We are committed to developing engaging and realistic digital simulations to help students apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Recognitions/Awards
- Class of 1922 Outstanding Teaching Innovation Award (Purdue University, Spring 2024) for "Beyond One-Size Fits-All: Tailoring a Large Enrollment STEM Course to Boost Engagement and Foster Success" (BIOL203/BIOL204), leading to increased student satisfaction and exam performance.
- IMPACT Festival Teaching & Learning Award (Purdue's Center for Instructional Excellence, Spring 2024) for developing innovative learning materials including HTML flashcards, an interactive infographic syllabus, and an interactive digital scenario-based learning experience about Parkinson's disease.
Disseminating Educational Experiences:
- Transforming Large-Enrolment Classes. Festival of Teaching and Learning. John Martinson Honors College. Purdue University, 2024.
- Castro, B. Fostering Engagement and Success in a Large STEM Course through Tailored Learning Resources. SABER Mid-West Annual Conference, 2024. Poster.
- Castro, B; Smart, K., & Strom, S. (2024). Synergizing perspectives: A dual student-instructor partnership in transforming STEM recitation experiences in large enrollment courses. International Journal for Students as Partners, 8(2), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.15173/ijsap.v8i2.5759