Category: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Advancing STEM education
July 23, 2025 Written by Hilary Douwes | Kathy F. Atkinson and courtesy of Lauren Genova
Lauren Genova, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and BioChemistry, was named one of ten Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM by Million Women Mentors - Delaware earlier this year.
The organization’s mission is to use the power of mentoring to encourage girls and women to pursue, persist and thrive in STEM careers.
Genova was recognized for her research in chemistry education, and for creating engaging and active learning experiences for her students to improve the retention of STEM majors. She has created lessons that use games to help college students understand quantum numbers, and has used augmented reality to help high schoolers understand viruses.
“I not only enjoy mentoring my research assistants and creating innovative activities with them, but I also find it incredibly rewarding to see my students having fun as they test out our new activities, and to see that metaphorical light bulb turn on in their heads as our activities help them grasp a notoriously difficult chemistry concept,” she said.
Genova said one of her favorite aspects of her research is the ability to quickly assess, usually through pre- and post-activity surveys, whether the lessons she’s developed are helping students learn. She uses student feedback to make improvements. If an activity is successful she tries to publish her results as soon as possible so instructors around the world can benefit from the research.
Genova, who received an honors bachelor’s degree with distinction in chemistry from UD in 2015, joined the faculty in the fall of 2020. She has taught nearly 3,900 students over the past five years.
She was drawn to math and science “for as long as I can remember” but decided to make it a vocation as a junior in high school. A dynamic AP Chemistry teacher who lit gummy bears on fire, made “elephant toothpaste” and encouraged his students to participate in what he called “chemistry magic shows” for elementary-school aged students inspired her to become an educator.
“I always knew I wanted to teach, but it wasn't until I met Mr. Bauer that I felt chemistry was my calling,” Genova said. “I aspired to show my own students that chemistry can be fun and accessible and to inspire them to pursue careers in a field that plays such a critical role in improving our lives and our planet.”
Gov. Matt Meyer and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay and others honored Genova and the other nine award recipients at the Delaware Women and Girls in STEM Day at the Delaware state capitol in March. Helen Stimson, executive in residence in UD’s College of Engineering, former CEO of Agilent Technologies, and president and CEO of the Delaware Biosciences Association, was also among the award winners.
“I am deeply humbled to have been selected as one of this year's honorees,” Genova said. “But receiving this award means so much more to me than personal recognition. It's a celebration of all the educators, mentors, and advocates who dedicate themselves to inspiring the next generation of scientists.”
The idea for a statewide effort to promote STEM education was created by UD undergraduate student Jacqueline Means, “The STEM Queen” and founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative, who in 2021 established the now-annual Delaware Women and Girls in STEM Day.
