I
have had experience working with students at a variety of levels and in
a
variety of situations, ranging from student-teaching high school
biology, to
undergraduate biology majors and non-majors, undergraduate researchers,
all the
way up to graduate seminars. These
experiences convinced me of the value of inquiry-based learning, both
in lab,
seminar and lecture courses, and of using a diversity of approaches,
including hands-on experience in and out of the classroom.
I
have a strong interest in continuing these types of interactions, and
in
combining research and teaching to benefit both students and my own
work. I have
found that cooperative
activity combined with lecturing is an efficient way to ensure both
transmission and retention of material.
Students taking my classes should be prepared to spend classtime
discussing their thoughts about course content with me and with other
students in the classroom (you can talk to yourself as well, if you
want to, just don't scare anyone). Cooperative activities enhance
my ability to assess the level of
understanding in the class. Combining
all of these approaches, including independent research, lecturing and
cooperative activities, provides a diverse array of approaches, helping
to
maximize the number of students successfully navigating the
class. I also feel very strongly that independent research should
be an important of a science education, whether you are a Biology or
Environmental Studies major. These hands-on activities allow
students to gain experience with the process of science, often
providing an opportunity to make a strong, substantive contribution to
the progress of science. I am quite excited about helping
students to realize their research potential, and encourage anyone
interested to come and see me.