Meet Dr. Farshad Tamari
Online/hybrid teaching certified (City University of New York, CUNY)
Dr. Farshad Tamari brings extensive experience in biology, chemistry, and physics, utilizing validated pedagogical approaches to facilitate student success. His journey into science education was shaped by his early experiences immigrating to Toronto, where he discovered biology and math as a “universal language” while mastering English.
After earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in biology from York University in Toronto, he completed a prestigious three-year post-doctoral fellowship in molecular genetics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He joined the Department of Biological Sciences at Kingsborough Community College in 2009.
Dr. Tamari is a published author in academic journals like the Journal of Biomolecular Techniques and Journal of College Science Teaching. His research focuses on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), including the effectiveness of pedagogical tools and the use of Open Access Resources (OER) to make education more accessible. His methodologies are key to helping students excel in high school science and prepare for the rigors of college.
Academic Credentials & Research Experience
Education
Ph.D. in Biology
York University, Toronto, Canada
Master's in Biology
York University, Toronto, Canada
Bachelor's in Biology
York University, Toronto, Canada
Professional Experience
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
3-year fellowship in molecular genetics
Professor
Kean University
Biology Department (2007-2009)
Professor
Kingsborough Community College
Department of Biological Sciences (2009-present)
Research Focus
- Molecular biology
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
- Pedagogical tool effectiveness
- Open Access Resources (OER)
- DNA extraction optimization
- Bioinformatics
Selected Publications & Research
Recent Publications (2019-2025)
Textbook Author
Tamari, F. Quirk, T. (2025). Biology: Life at Every Level. Soomo. ISBN: 978-1-963859-14-0
Open Educational Resources
Brogun D.Y., Faucette A.N., Polizzotto K., Tamari F. (2021). Development of an online general biology open educational resource (OER) laboratory manual. J Microbiol Biol Educ 22: e00133-21.
Educational Research
Tamari, F., Dawson, M. and Ho, I.S.(2020). Non-Ideal Placement of Nonmajors in Biology Major/Allied Health Courses results in Poor Performance/Higher Attrition Rates. Journal of College Science Teaching, 49(4): 9-15
Tamari, F. and I.S. Ho. (2019). Guided Inquiry-Based Activities Positively Impact Learning in Community College Courses. Journal of College Science Teaching. 48(4): 12-21
Patent & Innovation
Tamari F. and F. Tamari. (2016). Method and System for Documenting an Electrophoresis Gel. United States Patent No.: 9,494,552 B2
Dr. Tamari has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications spanning molecular genetics research, educational methodology, and pedagogical innovation in science education.
Teaching Philosophy & Approach
Universal Language of Science
Drawing from his immigrant experience, Dr. Tamari understands how science transcends language barriers and uses this perspective to make complex concepts accessible to all students.
Evidence-Based Teaching
His research in pedagogical effectiveness ensures that teaching methods are scientifically validated to maximize student learning and retention.
College Preparation Focus
With extensive college teaching experience, Dr. Tamari prepares high school students for the intellectual rigor they'll encounter in higher education.
Open Access Commitment
His dedication to Open Educational Resources ensures that quality science education is accessible to students from all backgrounds.