Sugar Grove – A Waubonsee Community College faculty member has been recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Dr. Sheela Vemu, Associate Professor of Biology, was selected as one of 36 faculty for the 2024 Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond what is required to ensure students succeed academically.
Dr. Vemu has served Waubonsee Community College as a full-time faculty member since 2013. Her experience as an immigrant graduate student in STEM motivated her to design an inclusive and student-centered approach to teaching, incorporating team-based learning and authentic scientific experiences both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Vemu celebrates the diversity and complexity inherent in scientific exploration and fosters curiosity and an openness to diverse perspectives using Dr. Yosso’s Cultural Wealth Model to create a sense of community among students. She is known by her students for instilling a deep appreciation for the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry.
At the beginning of each semester at Waubonsee, Dr. Vemu begins her biology classes by sharing a borrowed slogan from the Local Chicago Council on Science and Technology, "Science is for everyone." She does this because this idea perfectly highlights the importance of diversifying the future STEM workforce of America. It also creates a welcoming space for those curious about STEM but who may feel discouraged because they have yet to see diverse representation in the field.
Dr. Vemu strongly believes in the value of curiosity and urges her students to discover and learn about the world beyond her classroom. She sees her students through a strengths-based rather than a deficit-based lens and actively seeks ways to help them overcome barriers. She considers what elements of students' experiences she can control or help mediate and then assists them in finding the additional support they need to succeed. Dr. Vemu employs formative and summative assessments to measure student learning, provide personalized support, and encourage metacognition and efficacious studying habits. She consistently utilizes High Impact Practices (HIPs) to cultivate profound learning and has integrated some undergraduate research experiences into her courses. Dr. Vemu consistently demonstrates her commitment to student success by creating an inclusive learning environment in the lab and lecture courses at the college. One of the most important inclusive teaching practices Dr. Vemu incorporates is building mentor-mentee relationships with her students. She wants students to think beyond her classroom and creates opportunities by bringing in subject matter experts across various fields and disciplines. Dr. Vemu promotes inclusivity by acknowledging the contributions of scientists from historically excluded groups. She offers opportunities for her students to learn about the accomplishments of underrepresented individuals in STEM fields, both in and out of the classroom. Her influence is reflected in the success of her current and former students, many of whom come from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds. Since 2016, they have pursued graduate degrees, been inducted into honors societies, served as tutors, and gained employment in STEM fields. Dr. Vemu's guidance has also enabled her students to present their own research at professional conferences, colleges, and universities, and many have received prestigious fellowships. In addition to the tremendous time and dedication Dr. Vemu offers her students, she also dedicates time and expertise to curriculum development. She has worked with the AACC and the National Science Foundation (NSF) MentorLinks grant designed to develop technician training programs in STEM fields.
Dr. Vemu has also collaborated with colleagues to enhance and update the existing curriculum and contributes to the college community in many other ways. She has led the Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony; has served on numerous college committees; and regularly co-chairs student initiatives, workshops, and events to advance STEM.
Last year, Dr. Vemu worked with Waubonsee’s Latinx Resource Center to create more programming centered around Latinx/e representation in STEM. Since then, these STEM events have grown and have continued to showcase experts who share lived experiences and career paths within the STEM and biotech industries.
The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Designation recognizes individuals making a difference in the classroom. It was named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell. Each year, the AACC recognizes community college faculty who have excelled in their chosen fields.
