Colleges / Campus scene : Biology Teacher Gets Top Honors at OCC

Ann T. Harmer, an associate professor of biology, has been named Orange Coast College’s Faculty Member of the Year.

Harmer, who was among six educators chosen by students and faculty at the community college, said she was surprised by both the nomination and the selection.

“I was stunned to see my name on the ballot,” she said. “I’m even more stunned to have won.”

Harmer, who teaches anatomy, physiology and molecular biology, has taught at Orange Coast College since 1978. Before that, she was a lecturer in biology at Cal Poly Pomona for two years and a human sexuality instructor at Mt. San Antonio College.

In 1992, Harmer helped secure a $56,800 grant from the George Hoag Family Foundation for the college’s math and science division. She also received a $42,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop a multimedia biological sciences lab on campus.