Jennifer Donovan
Senator spotlight: 2026
Teaching Professor
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
West Valley campus
Q&A with senator
ASU affiliated:
How many years have you been employed at ASU? I have been employed at Arizona State University since 2007, about 19 years.
What other institutions have you taught at before coming to ASU? Prior to ASU, I was a high school teacher working with at-risk learners as well as helping to develop online curriculum which has relevance as I have helped to develop one of the university’s first online courses.
What is your research and/or creative activities focus? My research and creative activities focus on the following diverse questions:
(1) How can we increase retention of students (specifically underrepresented populations) in STEM?
(2) How can we work to ensure the medical community treats those with disabilities as worthy of care?
(3) How can we better manage predators in human landscapes?
(4) How can we alter the impact of polymer use on the environment?
These questions have led me to perform grant-funded research on materials and best practices for students taking large, online chemistry courses along with partnerships with organizations that have provided opportunities for students to work on experiential learning projects focusing on the impact of women working in STEM fields. I have also worked to assist others utilizing experiential learning in their courses through my role as a Work Integrated Learning Fellow. Additionally, I have had collaborations working with the TRIS (Tracking Rare Incidence Syndromes) database to develop and work on peer-reviewed articles published for the American Journal of Medical Genetics. My environmental work includes projects with the AZ Game and Fish Department assisting with the waning Sonoran Pronghorn population along with previous work with the Nez Perce tribe in Idaho working on the reintroduction of wolves in Idaho. Lastly, research into environmental chemistry and the concern of plastics in the environment is another upcoming project.
Senate affiliated:
How many years have you served in the Senate? This is my third year serving on the University Senate.
Why did you decide to get involved with the Senate? I decided to become involved in the Senate to help ensure that I was well informed of university processes and to better represent my colleagues’ needs.
Describe what you have learned (or hope to learn) during your time in the Senate? I have learned the power of parliamentary conversations and employed Robert’s Rules of Order on many occasions thanks to my experience with the Senate and various committees.
What committees have you participated in, or would like to participate in and what were you able to (or hope to) accomplish? I currently participate in multiple committees including the Senate Grievance Committee and the Senate Committee on Committees. I am also the Chair of the MNS Peer Review Committee and a member of the NCAIS Personnel Committee as well as serving as the Chair for the Career Faculty Association for the West Valley campus. I serve as a Course Coordinator, an Online Lead and Online Task Force Co-Chair for SMNS. I also work as an Accessibility Liaison and contribute to the AI working group, the SMNS Research Incubator, and the FWA Mentor Committee.
What would you say to your peers who might be considering accepting a nomination or nominating himself or herself for a position in the University Senate? I would encourage my peers to become involved in the University Senate and university activities and assist in contributing to the positive collaborations that occur within ASU every day.