THE NATIONAL COALITION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOLARS

Kathleen Weiss, PhD, began her career in science education, achieving her degree in Teaching & Learning from the University of Iowa. Her dissertation work focused on systematic literature review and framework development around immersive argument-based approaches in K-12 science education. In 2020, she transitioned into the field of medical and health professions education. During this time she began design and research around a community of practice of instructors around enhancing student engagement. Dr. Weiss led the group in testing new instructional initiatives and collaborating on scholarly works related to a variety of health professions education areas. Dr. Weiss most recently served as the Director of the Center for Educational Enhancement at Des Moines University Medicine & Health Sciences, overseeing a multi-disciplinary department including Library Services, Academic Support, and Continuing Medical Education. Dr. Weiss continues her research pursuits, including a collaborative autoethnographic study of community of practice facilitator experiences in health professions education. Notably, Dr. Weiss served as a Leadership and Educational Development (LEAD) Fellow through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) during 2023-2024 and as the Recorder of the Central Group on Educational Affairs (CGEA) Special Interest Group on Faculty Development (2024).