Q&A: A Conversation with Dr. Kroeker

“Wear your sunglasses, wear your sunscreen, don’t smoke and don’t drink”. 

If you've ever sat on a lecture from Dr. Carol Kroeker, you'll know that her course content,  usually mixed with her dos and don’ts along with the casual hemorrhoid you see at eight in the morning.  

With over 25 years of experience teaching anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, Dr. Kroeker has a way of making science stick—not just in your notes, but in your life. Her passion for teaching and ability to keep students engaged have made her a beloved professor and a true campus icon. 

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Kroeker—read on to dive into her journey and discover what teaching truly means to her!

How did you get into this field? 

C: My first degree was in math, but I realized I didn’t want to be a mathematician. A friend told me I wasn’t a "real scientist" because I hadn’t studied biology—so I took that as a challenge! I got a zoology degree, then discovered biomechanics and cardiovascular research, which led me to a PhD in cardiac mechanics. 

Why do you think students connect with you? 

C: I think because I’m a goofball! I try to make lectures engaging with enthusiasm, humor, and of course, some gross medical images. Who doesn’t want to see a hemorrhoid at 8 a.m.? 

But beyond that, I respect my students and try to reduce unnecessary stress. I’ve introduced things like unlimited-attempt self-graded assignments to help students focus on learning rather than worrying about small grading inconsistencies. I also try to make my classes as interactive and relatable as possible. 

What’s your favourite class to teach? 

C: I love my anatomy and physiology courses because they’re students' first real dive into biology. But my integrative physiology and aging courses are also favorites because I got to develop them from scratch. We explore how the body adapts to extreme conditions—high altitudes, space travel, pregnancy, extreme heat and cold—so it’s really engaging. My aging and disease course is also a favorite because it connects directly to real-world health concerns. We discuss how different systems in the body decline over time and what we can do to slow that process. It’s a mix of science and practical application, which I love. 

Any defining moments in your career? 

C: I’ve had many, but one that stands out is an opportunity I didn’t take. During my PhD, I worked with a bioengineer, who was developing a removable stent for blood vessels. He invited me to move abroad and work on the project with him, but I had just gotten married and wasn’t ready to move across the world. Two years later, he sold the patent for $125 million. So, yes, I could have been sitting by a pool with millions, but instead, I’m here teaching! But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing—I love what I do. Another defining moment was having an incredible teaching supervisor during my master’s. He really showed me how to engage students, treat them with respect, and create a positive learning environment. That experience shaped my approach to teaching. 

What’s something about you that students might find surprising?

(Content warning: animal death)

C: Well, I have a very unusual collection—I have boxes of animal skulls and bags of organs in my freezer! Before you panic, it’s for educational purposes. When I was teaching vertebrate anatomy, I needed skulls to show adaptations in different species, so my husband (a high school biology teacher) and I would collect roadkill. I also keep pig hearts, kidneys, and eyeballs in my freezer for high school demos. People might find that weird, but it’s all part of the job! 

Any special items in your office? 

C: Most of the things in my office were gifts from students, which means a lot to me. One student made a "No Smoking" sign because I always rant about the dangers of smoking. Another drew a detailed anatomical heart for me. I also have several thank-you notes from students, which I keep posted on my walls. The apples you see on my shelf are my teaching excellence awards. I have five, which were voted on by students, so they mean a lot to me. 

What do you think about medical drama shows? Are they your cup of tea?

C: Nope! I find them too inaccurate, and it drives me crazy. I used to watch House, but I kept yelling at the screen. Grey’s Anatomy is way too dramatic for me. Instead, I love medical podcasts like This Podcast Will Kill You, which covers different diseases each episode, and Sawbones, which explores the history of medicine. 

What do you like doing outside of work and your research? 

C: I love being outdoors—hiking, biking and swimming are my favorite activities. I also started a walking challenge on January 1, 2021, with a group of friends. We committed to walking outside for an hour a day, no matter the weather. Most of my friends quit within the first few months, but I kept going, and now I’ve walked for over 1,500 days straight! 

What are your podcast recommendations for students?   

1. This Podcast Will Kill You |  Each week, the hosts dive into a different disease or condition. Topics range from Ebola and pregnancy to vaccines and caffeine.
2. Science Vs. | This podcast examines the science behind various topics. Episodes cover vaping, aging, alcohol, supplements, and more. 
3. Ologies | A rich collection of topics covering medicine and biology, from cardiology to neuroendocrinology to laughology! 
4. Sawbones | An exploration of the medical history of diseases, bizarre treatments, and peculiar products  
5. The Weirdest Thing I Learnt this Week | Perfect for those who enjoy weird and fascinating science tidbits 
6. BBC Discovery | Engaging science topics from the UK, presented in a fun way  
7. All in the Mind | A deep dive into neuroscience topics from Australia  

What's your favorite organ? 

C: That’s a tough one! The heart is amazing, of course, but I also love the liver—it’s a powerhouse that performs hundreds of functions. Kidneys are underrated, too; they control blood pressure, filter toxins, and even regulate red blood cell production. And let’s not forget the uterus—it literally grows a human being! 

Any final remarks? 

C: I just want to say thank you to my students for caring enough to nominate me for this interview. Teaching is my passion, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to help students learn and grow. My goal is not just to teach anatomy and physiology but to help students become great doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, and well-rounded individuals. And, of course, my final “mom” advice—don’t smoke, wear sunscreen, drink water, and take care of yourselves!