Directory

Profile

Mary Ellen Dillon has held myriad roles since joining the University of Dayton in the 1990s. She has served the department as part time lecturer, full time lecturer, lab coordinator and coordinator of the INSS (Integrated Natural Science Sequence). Some of her contributions include developing a paired tutoring system to support non-majors physics classes, developing and piloting an integrated field studies science course and pioneering the university’s new learning management system.

Faculty perspective

"I have wanted to teach since I was a young girl. And through the many personal and professional changes of my adult years, the desire and passion to teach, and to teach others to teach, has remained. I enjoy creatively communicating complex concepts to eager (and sometimes not so eager) minds.

With the passing of the anniversary of 9/11, I reflect on how much our lives have changed during this decade. In 2001, although we routinely used email and the Internet, the development of websites was still an emerging field. Thus, when we heard the tragic news while working at UD on September 11, no one jumped onto the Internet to seek news of the unfolding events. Rather, we poured into the hallways, searching for offices or rooms with television or radio, searching also, of course, for human companionship.

We now literally have the world at our fingertips in the classroom, and teaching must change to embrace new technologies which are integral to our students’ lives. Yet all technology is not created equal, and I feel that it is our responsibility as educators to be discerning in how we use technology and in which technologies we embrace."

Professional activities

• 7-12 Science Education
• Effective computer enhanced learning
• Science writing for the general public
• Nature education

Research interests

• Sustainability
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Science Education
• Technology in Education

Selected publications

Dillon ME, Jackson-Smith D (2021) Impact of the veterinary feed directive on Ohio cattle operations. PLoS ONE 16(8): e0255911. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255911

Dillon, Mary Ellen. 2020. The Impact of Restricting Antibiotic Use in Livestock: Using a 'One Health' Approach to Analyze Effects of the Veterinary Feed Directive. Master's thesis, Harvard Extension School. https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37365628

Sandy, M.R., Elhamri, S., Dillon, M. (2009). Delivery and evolution of an Integrated natural Science Sequence for non-science majors at the University of Dayton. Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, Dayton, Ohio: Southwester Ohio Council for Higher Education Conference.

“Intelligent Design” versus Evolution: Five Fallacies Fogging the Debate, Great Ideas in Teaching Biology! Benjamin-Cummings, Vol. 2, 2003

“(No) Formula for success: Nursing our children, planet to a brighter, healthier future,” Miami Valley Family Life, Cox Publishing. May 1998

“Green cuisine can lead to healthier, happier life,” Miami Valley Family Life, Cox Publishing. March 1998

“Catching’ Critters: Kids love to get in touch with nature’s little animals,” Miami Valley Family Life, Cox Publishing. September, 1997