University of Montana Teaching
The central philosophy of my teaching is based upon providing all students opportunities and structured support to learn how to think critically through evidence-based approaches. In addition to receiving formal pedagogical training during my Master’s program (in Science Curriculum and Instruction), I have extensive experience teaching students from broadly-represented backgrounds. I have taught at the secondary, undergraduate, and graduate level, and I have been a lead educator in the classroom, lab, and field. Across all levels and environments, I build trusting relationships with students, create a supportive, engaging learning environment, and employ methods that are student-centered and inquiry-based. The fundamental tenants I follow as a teacher are:
1.Intellectual development hinges on engaging students’ curiosity.
2. Learning is a dynamic process where multiple modes of teaching can support diverse learning styles and scientific literacy.
3. Fostering critical and creative thinking skills from diverse perspectives is essential for scientific progress.
4. Establishing data literacy is paramount (!)
UM Courses Taught
Introduction to Environmental Science and Sustainability NRSM121
This course provides a foundation for students to understand the dynamics of human relationships with the environment. It covers a combination of material including environmental ethics, ecology, natural history, and current debates regarding human uses of natural resources. Students are connected to the social and ecological setting of Western Montana with topical issues covered in this course through text, audio, and visual material. The course is centered around an initial overnight field weekend at UM's Lubrecht Experimental Forest where students get to examine research projects central to ecosystem restoration in the Blackfoot watershed and engage with local grassroot conservation organizations working to protect this working landscape.
Ecology, Physics and Taxonomy of Soils NRSM212
This course introduces students to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, and on how water moves into and out of soils. Students will assess properties and processes of Earth’s soils, differentiate between different soils, and be able to describe the causes and consequences of variations in soils and soil properties and how they influence soil water quantity, quality and land management actions. Over the course of the semester, students are exposed to a suite of soil and water analysis techniques and will be able to describe and understand the relationships among soils, soil water physics, nutrients and vegetation on the landscape based upon experiments and analysis of their results.
Elements of Ecological Restoration NRSM265
The complex challenges involved with restoring degraded ecosystems requires an understanding not only of the science of restoration ecology, but also the management practices and social factors that lead to successful project implementation. This interdisciplinary course is designed to give students an overview of the natural and social elements of ecological restoration. Topics covered include the ecological foundations of restoration, restoration goals and practices in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, social perspectives on restoration, restoration policies and planning, and restoration initiatives in Montana and the United States