She has extensive experience in the classroom and the use of effective teaching strategies, as well as development and implementation of curriculum redesign, and initiatives to support student success and student research. Dr. Connor has received two College Outstanding Teaching awards and the University of Massachusetts Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Connor serves as Program Director for the UMass Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Award. She earned a BS in biology from St. Lawrence University, a PhD in physiology and biophysics from the University of Vermont School of Medicine, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine.