Rachana started as the new Equitable Assessment Specialist, CTL in July 2023. She obtained a PhD in Biology with a focus on ecology, evolution and behavior in 2023 from the University of Virginia (UVA) after completing a dual BS-MS degree at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune in 2015. Learning about how diverse forms evolve and co-exist in the same population in nature has influenced her interests in both research, teaching and social justice. Her career goal is to make higher education interdisciplinary, collaborative, and equitable. As a graduate student, she gained extensive experience in teaching small and large courses in biology and designing assessments and syllabi for varied courses, which was recognized through the Distinguished Teaching Fellowship and All-University Graduate Teaching Award at UVA. She also has served as a graduate teaching consultant to provide feedback to faculty as well as ESL graduate students on improving instruction and interned at an EdTech start-up to understand the intersection of education policy, technology and teaching in higher-ed. She has also been a vocal advocate for promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace through systematic change in recruitment and retention practices. She is excited about combining her dual interests in teaching and equity to advocate for transformative learner-centered practices in her new position at the CTL.
In her free time, she enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles or paint by numbers, watching non-fictional or satirical shows or films, interviews, swimming or catching up with friends over good food, drink and trivia.
Learn more on her personal website https://rachanabhave.wixsite.com/about or follow her on X (Twitter) @rachana_bhave.