Tara Archuleta

Degrees and Appointments

• Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2023 - present
• Lecturer, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2022-2023
• Teacher, Chemistry and Biotechnology, University High School, Tucson Unified School District, Tucson, AZ, 2020-2022
• M.Ed., Teaching & Teacher Education, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2020
• Senior Research Specialist, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2017-2019
• Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2014-2017
• Ph.D., Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2014
• B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2008

Classes Currently Taught

• BIOC 296B – Introduction to Biochemical Research
• BIOC 384 – Foundations in Biochemistry
• BIOC 385 – Metabolic Biochemistry

Teaching and Scholarly Activities

My primary role is teaching biochemistry for our major and non-major students. I believe involving and motivating students in their own learning is key to creating an open and comfortable environment where students understand how biochemical content relates to their lives/future goals. Students are encouraged to ask questions and challenge themselves. I believe students learn best by social interaction and problem solving in the classroom; thus, I like to create active learning environments. The objective of my teaching strategies is to find where students find linkages between science and the larger society of which they are members.

The focus of my professional research has pertained to characterizing protein structure and dynamics to understand the fundamental causes of disease states, either caused by pathogens or cellular regulation/dysregulation. Using my background in research and teaching, I assist in recruiting and mentoring students; helping students identify and explore their passion in science.

Specialties: Chemistry and Biochemistry Education, Protein Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology

Honors and Awards

•    Southern Arizona American Chemical Society High School Teacher of the Year, American Chemical Society, Tucson, AZ, 2022.
•    Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) Educator Advocate of Science and Engineering Award, University High School, Tucson Unified School District Tucson, AZ, 2022.
•    Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) Contributing Teacher for Top High School Award, University High School, Tucson Unified School District, Tucson, AZ, 2020-2022.
•    Arizona Teachers Academy, Full Academic Scholarship, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2019-2020.
•    Arizona Teaching Fellow, Tucson Unified School District, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2019-2020.
•    Supplement Award from Lauren P. Jackson NIGMS: R35 GM119525, National Institutes of Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2017.
•    Postdoctoral Training Program in Functional Neurogenomics, National Institute of General Medical Sciences: 5 T32 MH 65215-12 Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2014-2016.
•    Pre-doctoral Fellowship American Heart Association: 12PRE11750031, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2012-2014.
•    Pre-doctoral Integrative Training Grant in Therapeutic Discovery, National Institutes of Health: DA022873-03, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2009-2011.
•    Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) Trainee, Howard Hughes Medical Institute & National Science Foundation, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2005-2008.
•    Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program Trainee, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2005-2008.