Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy focuses on developing students' ability to apply what they learn in class to observations and problems they will face in everyday life or in scientific careers. I believe strongly in active learning, and strive to act as a learning facilitator, or guide, in a setting in which my students learn from one another and depend on themselves to solve problems or find answers.
Teaching Experience
I've taught a variety of courses in diverse settings, from the rainforests of Costa Rica to beaches in the Bahamas, from small labs to large lecture halls. Each experience has added something unique to my instructor Toolbox!
Some of the courses I have taught include:
- Introductory Biology (Biology for non-majors)
- Principles of Biology (Biology for majors)
- Environmental Science
- Plant Resources in the Environment
- Conservation Biology
- Population and Community Ecology
- Evolutionary Ecology
Teaching-Related Training
Through various courses, trainings, and experiences as a graduate student, I earned a Certificate in University Teaching from the University of Georgia in 2015. I was also fortunate to be selected for UGA's Future Faculty program, a year-long professional development program where I worked with 15 other outstanding graduate student teachers from across campus to improve my teaching and broaden my approaches in the classroom.
As a professor, I've continued my training through various workshops and pedagogy-focused conferences. Most recently, I earned a Certificate in Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom (Cornell University) and completed a year-long Fellowship in the Governor's Teaching Fellows Program through the state of Georgia.