What I have learned about teaching is that the process is an ever-evolving art and science. We research new methods of teaching; we get students who push us to teach in novel ways; and we continue to learn and modify every day. My goal as an instructor is to provide my students an effective learning environment in which they are comfortable yet challenged. I fell in love with teaching over the course of my master’s and doctorate degrees, where I was fortunate enough to teach a variety of biological courses, as well as co-create and instruct an undergraduate field ecology course. And because of these experiences, and background as a multidisciplinary biologist, I feel have the breadth to teach a wide range of courses which can be seen below! My teaching experiences have exposed me to many types of students and modes of instruction, all of which have helped me develop my own teaching principles that I adhere to in the classroom.

(1) Teach all types of learners by implementing active and cooperative learning strategies. 

(2) Understand and explore the diverse backgrounds student bring to the classroom. 

(3) Teach students how to think critically.

(4) Provide students with evidence-based, student-centered, transparent teaching and mentorship.