Teaching and Mentorship

Evolutionary biology and ecology are inherently interdisciplinary subjects that draw on other scientific fields. Therefore, effective teaching in these fields relies on the ability to communicate new ideas and integrate diverse concepts and approaches. Whether I am teaching in the classroom or mentoring students in research, my goal is to inspire an interest in learning about the natural world and to provide students with skills to think critically and integratively, to develop sound scientific questions, and to communicate effectively within the scientific community, as well as outside of academia. My teaching utilizes both concept-oriented and active/application-based teaching methods, both of which place the student at the forefront of their learning.

My approach to teaching is centered on techniques that are shown to be effective in science education, whereby I use a combination of both concept-oriented and active/applied learning techniques. Concept-oriented education makes an enduring impression on students by strengthening their problem-solving skills and compelling them to think broadly – talents that will benefit them greatly and extend into many aspects of their education and life. This method feeds into students’ abilities to inquiry and apply these conceptual foundations, allowing them to undertake independent applied tasks through active-learning education, thereby reinforcing the conceptual framework and ideas that have already been taught. My goal as an educator is to provide students with both an intellectual and applied framework to understand biology and the natural world.

As a mentor, my goal is to provide students with the analytical skills and conceptual framework to develop their own research questions, while also fostering a deep curiosity for the natural world. I aim to have all of my mentees learn responsibility, direct their own learning, gain the ability to critically solve problems, and communicate clearly and effectively: all skills that are useful in any career path. I especially value providing research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students that are underrepresented in STEM. Ultimately, my goal as a mentor is to be a role model and an engaged, supportive guide in my students’ education and futures.

Teaching and Mentorship Awards

Chad Watkins Memorial Award for Undergraduate Mentorship (2018)

Courses Taught

General Zoology Laboratory (2019-2021) Plant Science Laboratory (2016-2017) General Biology Lab 1: Cells, Genetics and Development (2015)

Curriculum Development

Topics in Evolution - tree thinking activity (2022 - PDF) General Zoology - lab manual (2020 - PDF) Experimental Biology Lab - protein and DNA techniques modules (2012 - PDF)

Outreach

Headwaters Science Institute Lunch with a Scientist (2020) Delving into Ecology and Evolution, Good Shepherd Academy (2018) Research presentation, James Martin High School National Honor Society (2017)

Current and Past Mentees