Marilee Benore, Ph.D.

• Ph.D., University of Delaware, 1986
• B.A., Chemistry, Thomas More College, KY, 1979
• A.A., Psychology, Thomas More College, KY, 1979

Marilee Benore specializes in teaching biochemistry and incorporating research into the classroom, as well as teaching courses that intersect foundational areas. Courses include Introductory Biology and lab, Biochemistry and lab, Gender in Science and Engineering, and Diversity in Healthcare. She has also co-taught classes in Gender Studies, Nutrition, and Receptors. Recognized as a leader in biochemistry education reform, she works with the ASBMB on efforts to develop concepts that define student learning. She has served as the National Director of the ASBMB student chapters, a co-chair of the undergraduate poster session, the Editor of the newsletter, and has co-published a lab manual Fundamental Laboratory Approaches in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (FLABBe2) with Ninfa and Ballou. She is working with Biochemistry faculty to study the criteria used for promotion and tenure at Primarily undergraduate institutions.

Her lab research is in collaboration with Professors Sheila Smith, Simona Marincean and John Abramyan. Aided by numerous undergraduates, the lab investigates vitamin transport using Riboflavin Binding Protein (RBP) in the hen as a model. RBP’s structure/function, copper binding and gene regulation are being characterized. A natural mutant flock, unable to synthesize the protein, is part of the lab responsibility and housed at a local university. Outreach activities to K-12 students, using the eggs and vitamin transport experiments, is a fundamental part of the lab mission.

In addition to lab work, she is active in increasing the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields. Professor Benore is conducting research on the persistence of women in STEM. She has given workshops and created courses on Gender and STEM. She has won awards for mentoring, and is co-chair of the UMICH Academic Women’s Caucus Sarah Goddard Power Award Committee. She was Director of the UM-Dearborn Women in Learning and Leadership. As former Associate Dean at UM-Dearborn, she oversaw College-Wide programs, advising, IT, online learning, First Year Seminars, and program reviews. 

Active in student outreach and engagement, she has participated in three study abroad trips with students. For more information about these trips, see the Study Abroad section of Professor Benore's website.

Students

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• 2018 Eugene Arden Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching Award