In Remembrance of Anne Westbrook

Dear friends,

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anne Westbrook, who was a cherished colleague and gifted science educator. Anne worked with us from March 1999 until October 2023, dedicating more than two decades to advancing scientific understanding and nurturing the next generation of educators and learners. She passed away on March 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Lifelong Commitment to Science and Education
Anne’s academic journey began at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she earned her BA in Ecological Evolution & Organismal Biology. She went on to complete her MS in Biology at Purdue University, Indianapolis, and her PhD in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her early career included postdoctoral research at both UNC and the University of Utah, as well as curriculum development and teaching for the Partnership for Minority Advancement in the Biomolecular Sciences. Anne was passionate about making science accessible and meaningful for all.

Anne began her work at BSCS when we were collaborating with NIH and its various institutes to develop the Curriculum Supplements for K-12. Later in her career at BSCS Anne was project lead on modules funded through NIH’s Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program. Anne loved gathering with colleagues from across the country to engage in collaborative work, where she championed evidence-based practices and equity in science education while having the chance to dive deeply into science with experts. Sometimes the roles were reversed, and she served on organizing committees for science education summits, reviewed grants for the NIH and NSF, and was in the advisory role on others’ projects. Her collaborative spirit and expertise made her a valued member of every team she joined.

Anne was a lead developer on numerous curriculum materials, including the widely respected The Biology Teacher’s Handbook (4th edition), authoring several foundational chapters on inquiry and collaborative learning. She led or contributed to the development of many curriculum materials, including:

• Allergies and Scientific Inquiry
• Evolution and Medicine
• Rare Diseases and Scientific Inquiry
• The Science of Mental Illness
• The Science of Energy Balance (5th grade revision)
• The Commons: An Environmental Dilemma
• Drug Abuse, Addiction, and the Adolescent Brain
• Evolution and the Environment: Activities for the Classroom
• Tell Me about AIDS: A Curriculum for K–6 Classrooms
• BSCS Biology: An Ecological Approach (10th edition)

Her curriculum work has reached countless educators and students, fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and scientific literacy.

Anne co-authored research on the effects of student-teacher-scientist partnerships, exploring how these collaborations enhance high school students’ achievement and attitudes toward science. Her work was presented at leading conferences such as the American Educational Research Association and published in technical reports and peer-reviewed journals. Anne also played a central role in articulating the origins and effectiveness of the BSCS 5E instructional model. During the last few years of her tenure at BSCS, Anne played a pivotal role in leading innovative programs that bridged the worlds of teachers, scientists, and students. Her leadership on projects such as PlantingScience: Digging Deeper Together – A Model for Collaborative Teacher/Scientist Professional Development, Developing Skills in Health Literacy, and PlantingScience F2: The Next Generation of Teacher/Scientist Collaborative Professional Development exemplified her commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Anne was renowned not only for her professional achievements but for her kindness, generosity, and mentorship. She approached every project with empathy and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Her colleagues remember her as a patient listener, a thoughtful collaborator, and a steadfast friend. Outside of work, Anne’s creativity shone through her beautiful pottery, reflecting the same care and attention she brought to her professional life.

Honoring Anne’s Memory
Anne’s impact on science education is immeasurable. Through her work, she empowered teachers, inspired students, and built lasting partnerships between educators and scientists. Her legacy lives on in the programs she helped create, the materials she developed, and the many lives she touched.

We will remember Anne not only for her remarkable contributions to our field but also for the kindness and humanity she brought to her work every day. She will be deeply missed, but her influence will continue to guide and inspire us.

With heartfelt gratitude and remembrance,
Her colleagues and friends at BSCS