McNair Scholar Spotlight: Josh Wakefield McNair Scholar Faculty Mentor Spotlight: Leslie Sauder Dr. Leslie Sauder is an assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department within the School of Education. Dr. Sauder is in her 3rd year as a professor. Her main area of focus is Science Education, teaching both Earth/Physical Science Content and Science Methods for pre-service K-8th grade teachers. Before teaching at Northern, Dr. Sauder was an elementary and middle school classroom teacher at Hamlin for 18 years. She has one research study under review on the effect of integrated STEM education on student engagement, and she is collaborating with colleagues on research examining the effect of embedded experiences on pre-service teachers. Dr. Sauder’s future research interests include girls in STEM education and hands-on science education. I’m a first-generation biochemistry student from Aberdeen, South Dakota, currently in my final year at Northern State University and preparing to apply for graduate programs for Fall 2026. My first research experience was with Dr. Nora, where I studied mercury bioaccumulation in fish species and helped develop improved methods for accurate ICP analysis. I later joined Dr. Mitchell’s lab, where I’m exploring collagen production in human cells. I have a deep passion for science in all its forms, and having the chance to work on both chemistry-based and biochemistry-focused projects has been incredibly rewarding. Outside the lab, I’m still a nerd at heart. I’m a lifelong gamer and collector of retro consoles—my Guitar Hero and Rock Band setup somehow count as retro now. I enjoy modding and restoring old handhelds and cartridge games, and I spend a lot of my free time with family. My 10-yearold sister keeps me on my toes, and when I want to get outdoors, I go hunting with my little brother.
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