Ron Wetherington is a professor of anthropology in SMU's Dedman college of Humanities and Sciences and director of the University's Center for Teaching Excellence. Ron is an expert in evolutionary theory, and his research interests include population genetics, human paleontology, science pedagogy and the historical archaeology of the U.S. Southwest. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in human evolution and forensic anthropology, as well as a noncredit required course for departmental graduate students, "Learning to Teach - Teaching to Learn." He is the author of Understanding Human Evolution and 4 other books on anthropology and archaeology. He was appointed as an expert reviewer in 2008-09 by the Texas State Board of Education to evaluated new science curriculum standards. The Texas Freedom Network has awarded him the "Grassroots Hero" award in 2009, stating: "Whether working behind the scenes to patiently educate board members or in front of the cameras making a vocal case for science standards free from creationist ideology, Dr. Wetherington has worked tirelessly to ensure Texas students have a rigorous science curriculum that will prepare them for the 21st century."