Heather Rissler, PhD, EdD is Program Manager for KU School of Medicine Faculty Development at University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Rissler completed her PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Australian National University where she studied the evolution of intracellular signaling pathways and regulation of pigment biosynthesis. Her post-doctoral research included investigating evolution of photosynthetic proteins in algae and completing a post-doctoral research fellowship in science education. Heather is passionate about life-long learning and applies that approach to her teaching. She has taught Biology for 20 years at 4-year institutions and community colleges. She completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on investigating the role of faculty development in mitigating opportunity gaps for students.