Dr. Roberts studied biology with a concentration in Animal Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania. There, she had her first experiences in research, studying flocking behavior in birds at the Morris Arboretum and veterinary pathology at the Philadelphia Zoo. After working at the Pittsburgh Zoo, she became a research assistant in the Experimental Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She joined Biological Sciences in 1984 when she entered the master’s program in Ecology and Evolution. Her thesis study was on dominance relationships within harems of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). Her dissertation examined the effect of increasing harem size on male reproductive success in the same species. Dr. Roberts received her MS in 1986 and her Ph.D. in 1992 with William Searcy. She also earned graduate credits in human physiology from the University of Washington.
Prior to joining the department as a lecturer, Dr. Roberts taught at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). She currently holds positions as an ombuds for Health Sciences at Pitt and as a director of the pre-med enrichment program (PEP) at Pitt Med. Her current interests include Riesenschnauzers, John Singer Sargent, zebra finches, and playing mahjong.
Teaching
Dr. Roberts has taught Foundations of Biology 1 and 2 (BioSc 150 & 160), Ecology (BioSc 0370), Human Physiology (BioSc/NeuroSci 1250) and Physiology Lab (BioSc 1255). Dr. Roberts also supervises students in BioSc 1690-Experience in Undergraduate Teaching. Previous service roles include the Advisory Committee for the Admission of Student Athletes (ACASA), Faculty Senate, Provost Fellow, Assistant Dean (Dietrich School). She is also an academic advisor for MAPS (formerly POMS).
Scholarly Interests
Receiving graduate training in behavioral ecology and physiology, conducting research in pathology and molecular biology and teaching undergraduates at all levels has given me a rather broad view of biology. My current interests are also somewhat diverse:
- The Science of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) with the goal of enhancing science teaching at the introductory and advanced levels
- Physiological ecology; studying the actions of the individual in the context of both the internal and external environment
- Issues related to the preparation of undergraduates for medical careers.