Dr. Melissa Hills from MacEwan University is a Molecular Biologist engaged in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, with a particular interest in working with students with disabilities as partners in research and inclusive curriculum design. She is also the Group Lead of MacEwan's Research Group on Inclusive Experiential Learning. Melissa is passionate about student-centered and inclusive pedagogies, including Universal Design for Learning.

In this conversation, Melissa and Salli explore the barriers that exist in traditional lab spaces and the importance of redesigning both curriculum and physical environments to allow every student to participate fully. They also unpack how educators can balance flexibility with structure to support students’ needs while protecting their own boundaries and course outcomes.

Together, they discuss the challenge many students face in self-advocating when they need support or deferrals, and share strategies for creating classroom cultures that make learning impactful, manageable, and accessible for everyone.