2021 Metcalf Award Recipient: Fadie Coleman

Fadie T. Coleman joined Boston University in 2017 as Assistant Professor of Medical Sciences and Education with the BU School of Medicine (BUSM) and she is Director of the Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Sciences Program (BLCS) of Metropolitan College. She has been very busy ever since. 

Overseeing BLCS, she has redesigned the curriculum, integrated updated laboratory technique courses, added scientific writing and communication-focused courses, and streamlined the biomedical research internship program. She has developed nine courses for Graduate Medical Sciences. She is actively involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on the Charles River and Medical Campuses.

Somehow, amid all that, Dr. Coleman finds time to teach—exceptionally. She seeks to build on students’ experiences and give them a sense of belonging to a whole. Her methods include pedagogy that promotes intellectual discipline, scientific literacy and writing, community building, and science identity development. 

Her students give the experience rave reviews ranging from “she really challenges you to think” to “coolest most insightful experience” to “made me a better scientist.” Two words, especially, recur in one evaluation after another: “Thank you.”

Dr. Coleman’s nominator sums it up nicely: “I cannot imagine a more invested, giving, and talented professor.”

Dr. Coleman holds a BA in Biology and English Literature from Boston University, an MA in Biology from Harvard University, and a PhD in Microbiology from Boston University School of Medicine. Her national honors include recognition from the National Science Foundation and American Society for Microbiology. At BU, she has received numerous awards at both the School of Medicine and University levels.