Alexa Bely holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Stony Brook University and is currently Associate Professor in Biology at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on the evolution of alternative ways of developing animal bodies, including regeneration (regrowing body parts after injury) and asexual reproduction. She has taught courses in ecology and evolution as well as animal diversity and currently directs the Biology Honors program, for students engaged in research in the biological sciences. She has greatly enjoyed teaching courses in University Honors for the past several years.