Casey L Henley, PhD
Director of Online Programs
Neuroscience Program
Associate Professor
Department of Physiology
Author & Illustrator
Foundations of Neuroscience
College of Natural Science | Michigan State University
Neuroscience educator, researcher, and author at
Michigan State University
I'm a neuroscience educator and education researcher at Michigan State University. I spend most of my time teaching, building online programs, and studying what makes course design work — particularly for students who are most often left behind by traditional approaches.
I wrote and illustrated Foundations of Neuroscience, a free, award-winning open textbook used by students and instructors around the world. I also coordinate neuroscience outreach for the Neuroscience Program, connecting MSU with K-12 students through events like the Brain Bee and Neuroscience Fair.
My Work
Since joining the academic staff rank at Michigan State University, I have been fortunate to have a supportive environment where my mentors, supervisors, and administrators have allowed me to craft a position that suits my range of academic interests.
Academics
Teaching and curriculum design
Design
Open education resources and illustration
Research
Blended learning and AI
Outreach
Science literacy and communication
Foundations of Neuroscience, Open Edition
In 2021, I published Foundations of Neuroscience, a free, open-access textbook written for undergraduate students new to the field. It has received multiple OER awards from MSU Libraries and ASMSU, was recognized by Pressbooks as one of their favorite OER of 2021, and has been accessed by hundreds of thousands of readers. I'm currently working on a second edition.
