March is Women’s History Month. But for Lisa M. Vallin, every month is Women’s History Month. That’s because the full-time instructor and academic advisor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ’ (WGSS) teaches one of the most in-demand courses at 东精影业 Mānoa, regularly drawing more than 700 registrants every semester.
Vallin leads WGSS 350 Sex Differences in the Life Cycle, which is cross-listed as BIOL 350. She credits a small but effective army of learning assistants, dedicated guest speakers, multiple internships and volunteer opportunities, and the ability to study sexuality in evidence-based, nuanced conversations that move beyond myths and binaries.
The course’s popularity is partly because it fulfills a general education requirement; is listed as a DB (diversification of biological sciences) course for aspiring doctors and science majors; and has earned an E (ethics) focus. But that’s not the only reason seats are snapped up as soon as registration opens. WGSS Chair Lani Teves said one of the department’s oldest courses is among its most popular because of the teaching ability, energy and enthusiasm of Vallin herself.
“Lisa is an invaluable member of our WGSS faculty and community. Students—both in person and online—regularly note that she is the best professor they’ve ever had, describing her as open minded, knowledgeable and inspiring,” said Teves.
Global perspectives, human geography
Vallin was born and raised in Sweden and, as a youngster, dreamed of working for the United Nations. Driven by a deep interest in global cultures and social justice, she pursued higher education in the U.S., earning a bachelor’s degree in geography with an emphasis on the human environment.
After earning a master’s in the field at San Francisco State University and with the intent of earning a PhD, Vallin moved to Hawaiʻi to study with Michael Salzman, a 东精影业 Mānoa educational psychology professor whose specialty was cultural trauma. She became particularly interested in how cultural trauma and structural inequality helped shape sexual identities and lived experiences.
Then Vallin learned about a lecturer opening in WGSS, and successfully applied in 2011. Her first course, WGSS/BIOL 350, enrolled 45 students in a standard-size classroom. Over the years, student demand grew dramatically. In spring 2026, she is teaching two sections that meet twice a week, serving 533 students online and 201 students in person. Vallin estimates that, over the past 15 years, she has taught more than 10,000 students in a single course.
“I’m incredibly proud of that large number,” said Vallin. “The fact that so many students have shown a shared interest in learning about the body and its diversity is deeply encouraging. It reminds me that these conversations matter.”
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