MARY WILLARD

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Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Mary Willard serves as assistant program director and senior lecturer at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The Center for Biotechnology Education embodies a skills-based learning environment and is committed to providing access to rigorous offerings for learners at all stages of their educational journey.

Willard earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2018 and a Bachelor of Science with a Biology Major and Mathematics Minor from Salisbury University in 2011. Her career began as an undergraduate researcher at Salisbury University in 2011, followed by graduate research and teaching assistant roles at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County from 2012 to 2018.

“After beginning my Ph.D. at 20, I launched into a career bridging my interests in the identification and characterization of unique biological systems and their applications in biotechnology. I have been instrumental in developing and updating graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University, ensuring alignment with industry trends and accreditation standards, while supporting hundreds of graduate students annually through advising and program management,” Willard said.

Her research background includes work at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina and the Lizard Island Research Station in Australia. Willard joined Johns Hopkins University in 2018 as program coordinator and lecturer, advancing to her current role in 2023. She supervises 25 employees and holds positions on the Dean-appointed Curriculum Committee and Faculty Senate.

Willard authored “ABCs for the Future Marine Biologist” in 2024 and published research on mantis shrimp photoreception in Scientific Reports, Integrative and Comparative Biology and Biological Bulletin. She received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2017.

Her commitment to inspiring change is reflected in her leadership in curriculum innovation, student advising and DEI initiatives at Johns Hopkins University. She has championed inclusive, forward-thinking education by integrating cutting-edge science, facilitating faculty training, mentoring hundreds of graduate students and actively participating in outreach.

“What sets me apart is the unique blend of experience and leadership I bring to advancing cutting-edge scientific knowledge in my career, inspiring future generations through my volunteer work and hobby as a children’s book author and creating a sense of empowerment with my work in the recovery community,” Willard said.

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