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Headshot photo of Dr. Kara Sawarynski

Kara Sawarynski, PhD

Leadership • Innovation • Connection

 

Passionate about helping educators and leaders design thriving environments for today’s learners

about

ABOUT ME

As an Associate Professor, Assistant Dean, Co-Director of a medical student research program, and national speaker, I design learning environments that empower today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. I believe in the power of connection and continuous improvement and strive to bring these into all aspects of my work.

 

My work focuses on supporting both educators and Gen Z learners. I advise and speak nationally on educational innovation and generational learning, with a focus on developing strategies and workplace scaffolds for Gen Z and emerging generations.

 

My leadership philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement, inclusion, and empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through strategic and systems-based thinking and vulnerable leadership. I’m passionate about connecting generations, sparking curiosity, and building systems where everyone can flourish.

Education

EDUCATION

1997 - 2001

The Lee Honors College of Western Michigan University

BS, Biomedical Sciences Major, Magna Cum Laude

Kalamazoo, Michigan

2001 - 2006

Wayne State University School of Medicine – Karmanos Cancer Institute

PhD, Cancer Biology

Detroit, Michigan

Experience

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

2019 - Present

Associate Professor of Cell Biology

(Assistant Professor 2012 - 2019)

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Rochester, Michigan

2015 - Present

Embark Student Research Program Co-Director

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Rochester, Michigan

2019 - 2023

Vice-Chair of the Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Rochester, Michigan

2023 - Present

Assistant Dean for Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Rochester, Michigan

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • STEM Education Leadership

  • Medical Education

  • Cell & Molecular Biology

  • Continuous Quality Improvement

  • Program Development & Growth Strategy

  • Faculty & Mentor Coaching

  • Scientific Communication & Public Engagement

  • Generational Learning (Gen Z, Gen Alpha)

  • Leadership Development & Inclusion

  • Innovation & Change Leadership

SELECTED STEM EDUCATION LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES

  • Designed and scaled the Embark Research Program, integrating interdisciplinary research, scientific communication, and transferable skills training.

 

  • National workshops and keynote presentations on STEM education innovation, generational learning, instructional design, and faculty development.

 

  • Created innovative CQI processes using technology to analyze student feedback and improve educational programming.

 

  • Faculty mentorship and development initiatives emphasizing science communication and leadership skill-building.

 

  • Engaging diverse audiences, including educators, administrators, learners, and community members, in discussions on science education, leadership, and innovation.

Publications

RESEARCH & SPEAKING TOPICS

  • Leadership and flourishing in medical education, promoting inclusive, adaptive leadership models that create space for diverse voices—especially women—in academic and STEM leadership.

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  • Educational strategies to support Gen Z learners, including intergenerational teaching frameworks, interactive study skills workshops that disrupt ineffective habits, and systems that build confidence and community.

 

  • Curriculum innovation for best practices in research design and scientific communication, with a focus on supporting students across experience levels in longitudinal research programs.

 

  • Continuous quality improvement (CQI) and faculty development initiatives that integrate data, reflection, and equity to advance learner outcomes and institutional change.

Research & Speaking

GEN Z - EMPOWERING INTERGENERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Moving past “Kids These Days”: Leveraging Gen Z perspectives to unlock teaching, learning & working together

Generational research and national datasets · Reflective activities & case studies · Rich discussion · Literature based educational tools · Novel teaching and learning framework

Together with my colleague Dr. Stefanie Attardi, I co-lead “Empowering Intergenerational Training Environments,” a nationally recognized speaking program that helps educators better understand and engage today’s students.

We offer:

  • Keynotes tailored for faculty retreats, leadership summits, or educational conferences

  • Grand Rounds with health professions audiences on professionalism, teaching, and learning across generations

  • Workshops that are customizable, interactive, reflective, and actionable

  • Faculty, staff and administrator development for institutions ready to evolve

Gen Z in Med Ed
“One of the best presentations I have ever heard.”

audience member at

Corewell Health Surgery Grand Rounds

contact

Contact me

Want to collaborate or bring a session to your institution? I’d love to hear from you.

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