Polly Husmann, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington
Candidate Statement: This is an extremely important time for our association. As change occurs all around us, from the federal government to academic journal business models, it is vital that our association remain financially strong with an ever-present eye to the future. Without solid finances, our ability to unite, connect, and promote both our members and our field (Strategic plan parts A, B, and C) will struggle to come to fruition. Most importantly, we have vowed as a community to invest in the resources necessary for these endeavors (Strategic plan D).
My vision for the AAA is to maintain and expand these valuable efforts while acknowledging all that is going on around us. We must invest in our members and our mission using judicious discernment to maintain all that we love of our association. AAA is well-positioned to advocate for faculty, staff, students, and institutions alike. It is my hope that the next few years will see new directions and invigoration for our members and our association.
Ph.D. Institution: Indiana University
Earlier Positions: Assistant Professor at IU (2015-2021), Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University (2013-2015), Visiting Assistant Professor at Ashland University (2012-2013), Assistant Professor at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (2011-2012)
Teaching: Embryology (undergrad, grad, med); Gross Anatomy (undergrad, grad, med); Gastrointestinal System and Nutrition (med); Medicine in the Media (undergrad); seminars and practica (grad)
AAA Committee/Roles: Advisory Committee for Young Anatomists (now CECA – 2011-2014), Liaison to Educational Affairs committee (2011-2014), Professional Development Committee (2015-2018; chair and Programming Committee representative 2019-2020), symposium/luncheon facilitator (various)
Other Professional Activities: Anatomy Education Research Institute (AERI) 2017, 2022, 2026
Awards: Statewide Anatomy Educator Award (IU - 2024), Faculty honor roll (IU - multiple), Child and Dependent Care Grant (AAA - 2023), Scholar Educator Award (IU – 2022), Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (IU – 2022), Outstanding Teaching Award (IU – 2019), Trustee Teaching Award (IU – 2019), Early Career Anatomist Publication Award (AAA – 2019)
Research Interest: My research interests focus mainly on factors outside of the classroom that affect student learning. These include study habits, backgrounds, metacognition, and perseverance. I use quantitative and qualitative methods to determine evidence-based practices while working to meet and understand students where they are.
Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained: Human Anatomy & Physiology (2014-present), International Association of Medical Science Educators (2018-present),
Web Link: https://medicine.iu.edu/faculty/26659/husmann-polly