Joanne Manaster

Joanne Manaster, a faculty lecturer in biology at the University of Illinois’ School of Integrative Biology, brings over two decades of university-level science instruction to her role. She teaches in the Masters of Science in Teaching of Biological Science program, focusing on her specialties in histology, stem cells and tissue engineering, and cell and molecular biology. In addition to her teaching duties, Manaster has been the lead faculty member for the Bioengineering GAMES camp at UIUC and provides scientific learning modules, tours, and tutorials to homeschool and public school groups.

Manaster's passion for science extends beyond the classroom, with her leveraging digital platforms to engage with a larger audience. Her online presence covers a wide spectrum, from experimenting with new media formats to conducting video book reviews of popular science books and tutorials of scientific concepts. She has one of the most significant social media followings for science topics, where her goal is to share science stories to pique the interest of the general public without sensationalism and to support and encourage youth, particularly girls, to consider STEM careers.

Moreover, Manaster has been involved in numerous outreach projects, including advising the University of Illinois iGEM team and the Bugscope project. She also serves as a member of the International Advisory Panel for Young Scientists Journal and has taken on roles as a judge and mentor at science fairs and event coordinator for the National Science Olympiad. Prior to her academic career, Manaster had a stint as a professional international fashion model, and now, she aims to work as a science host in new media, continuing to blend her science expertise with public engagement.