A passion for undergraduate research

Until recently, the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy did not offer undergraduate courses, but one faculty member has passionately pursued undergraduate teaching for more than 15 years.

In recognition of his commitment and innovative approach to classroom teaching, Dr. Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, known by his students simply as Dr. Murali, was recently recognized with the Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award, one of the prestigious and competitive Auburn University Faculty Awards.

An Alumni Professor in the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Dhanasekaran recognizes the importance of a solid educational foundation and saw the opportunity early on in his Auburn tenure to engage in undergraduate teaching.

“Over the past 15 years, I have been passionately committed not only to advancing research in the field of pharmacy and drug discovery, but also to mentoring and educating undergraduate students, both at Auburn University and globally,” said Dhanasekaran. “I firmly believe that the foundation of a strong education begins at the undergraduate level, where students develop critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge that will shape their future careers. 

“Undergraduate teaching is not just an academic responsibility, it is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of researchers, clinicians, young scientists and future leaders.”

The Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Awards recognize the outstanding teaching of undergraduates from nominations made by department heads, deans, alumni and students. Dhanasekaran is known for an innovative approach and engaging teaching style, incorporating the latest research and bits of humor in lectures to further the understanding of the subject matter.

His approach to student-centered learning involves creating interactive and dynamic lectures that not only deliver key points of information, but also actively engages students in thinking critically during their life-long learning process.

“To keep students engaged, I integrate real-time events, historical context and classical examples that make the learning material more relatable and relevant,” said Dhanasekaran. “I use a variety of interactive strategies, such as live polls, group discussions and case studies, which encourage active student participation, transforming the classroom into an academic place for collaboration and discussion.”

Dhanasekaran regularly teaches an introduction to undergraduate research course, biology honor’s thesis and an honors research seminar. While realizing that for some students, the course is just another credit hour they are earning, he hopes that by putting students at the “heart of the teaching process,” he has the opportunity to see them engage in the research and become genuinely interested in the subject matter.

“Witnessing students develop a deeper curiosity and understanding of the area of research and, actively writing manuscripts and book chapters, presenting their work in symposiums and getting awards makes my teaching experience not only fulfilling but also impactful for both them and me,” said Dhanasekaran.

Occasionally, that deeper curiosity leads students to Dhanasekaran’s lab, where he welcomes undergraduate students in to work alongside himself and graduate students in the lab. His research largely focuses on neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and epilepsy and their reaction to a number of natural and synthetic therapies. In the last eight years along, he has welcomed more than 350 students into his lab. This level of activity inspired him to take an active role in the college of pharmacy developing its own undergraduate degree, a bachelor of science in drug and biopharmaceutical sciences.

“Undergraduate students approach me throughout the year expressing interest in continuing the biomedical sciences path and joining my lab,” said Dhanasekaran. “This ongoing demand is a testament to the engaging and inspiring environment we have cultivated for undergraduate researchers in the biomedical sciences and was my inspiration for initiating the new and innovative undergraduate program at the Harrison College of Pharmacy.”

Believing in Auburn’s vision and mission of teaching, research, service and outreach, Dhanasekaran has been committed to his role as an educator and investigator. Not one to focus on awards or recognition, he was humbled to learn of his selection for an undergraduate teaching award.

“I am sincerely humbled and honored to be recognized by the alumni and current students for my efforts in mentoring them to be knowledgeable and successful in their future endeavors,” said Dhanasekaran. “It is gratifying to know that they find value and passion in my teaching to remember and appreciate it by taking the time to write for this prestigious award. This award is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the hard work, support, and collaborative efforts of my peers, graduate students, staff, and the dedication of my entire team involved.

“It signifies the collective commitment to fostering academic excellence and leadership among our students, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of education and mentorship.”