Dana Peterson, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine’s West Reading Campus. She is the director of anatomical sciences for the campus and serves as director of the Embryology and Neuroscience threads. Dr. Peterson also teaches gross anatomy and histology in the first-year foundational courses and is a group facilitator for the case-based learning course.

Dr. Peterson has received three master’s degrees, one in biological sciences from the University of Colorado, a second in educational administration – life sciences from the University of Oklahoma, and most recently a degree in instructional technology from Kent State University (Ohio). She received her interdisciplinary PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and higher education from the University of Maine.

Dr. Peterson has more than 30 years of undergraduate and graduate-level teaching experience acquired during her tenure at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and at the Northeast Ohio Medical University – College of Medicine. She is committed to helping to train the next generation of medical scientists and clinicians, especially those who are underrepresented in medicine (URIM). Recently she designed and developed a pathway program for URIM students in Ohio to matriculate to medical school upon completion of their master’s degree coursework (MA in Modern Anatomical Sciences – NEOMED).  She is actively involved in the International Brain Bee organization, which sponsors an annual neuroscience competition for high school students around the world. Dr. Peterson has served as the U.S. National Competition organizer for the last two years.