My teaching philosophy emphasizes student development of the conceptual background and technical skillset to conduct scientific inquiry that solves real-world problems. Because scientists combine three fundamental lines of work, application to the real world, controlled experiments, and theoretical models, my teaching does too. Application to the real world may include field observations, applied ecology, or service learning while theoretical models may be conceptual or mathematical. Integrating three types of methods sets a high bar that I help students achieve via two modes of instruction. My styles of instruction are (1) outlining a path of hard and soft skills to expertise and (2) guiding practice of student expertise that gives vital feedback to me and students. I have developed this approach during pedagogy workshops and coursework as well as my teaching experience.
Teaching training:
IU Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship Program
Biol Z 620 Mentored Teaching course
Teaching experience:
2019: Instructor of record for Biol L211 Molecular Biology
2018: Assistant instructor for Biol L111 Foundations of Biology: Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology
2016: Conducted mesocosm research experiment with students in Biol L474 Field & Laboratory Ecology
2014: Assistant instructor for Biol L112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms
2011: Undergraduate TA for Chemistry 105: General Chemistry.
2010-2014: Developing curricula and teaching science for elementary, middle school, and high school students at a not-for profit private school.
Teaching training:
IU Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship Program
Biol Z 620 Mentored Teaching course
Teaching experience:
2019: Instructor of record for Biol L211 Molecular Biology
2018: Assistant instructor for Biol L111 Foundations of Biology: Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology
2016: Conducted mesocosm research experiment with students in Biol L474 Field & Laboratory Ecology
2014: Assistant instructor for Biol L112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms
2011: Undergraduate TA for Chemistry 105: General Chemistry.
2010-2014: Developing curricula and teaching science for elementary, middle school, and high school students at a not-for profit private school.