Teaching Philosophy

The core principles of my teaching (“Straight As”) interweave a commitment to scientific rigor and awareness of student needs:

  • Approachability: create an environment in which students are comfortable asking questions, coming to me for mentoring, and asking for help if needed

  • Acknowledgment and Adaptation: recognize the diversity of student backgrounds and abilities as well as the inequities present in the academic system; actively work to make courses more inclusive and accessible for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields

  • Academic Advancement: develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills

  • Application: demonstrate the relevance of course concepts and skills to scientific research, future employment, and issues within our local community

Courses Taught

  • BIOL-M310 & M310L Microbiology

    Bio Majors’ microbiology with a lab based on discovery of new antibiotics!

  • BIOL-M200 Microorganisms in Nature & Disease

    Microbiology for allied health majors such as nursing and dental hygiene

  • BIOL-M440 Medical Microbiology

    Pathogenesis and social/historical context of diseases that changed our world

  • BIOL-M420 Environmental Microbiology

    Biogeochemistry, ecology, diversity, and functional roles of microbes in the environment. Capstone course designated as Intensive Writing.

  • BIOL-F116: First Year Seminar in Biology

    Soon to be a research-based course I’m developing for our ED HSI grant!

  • BIOL-L403 Biology Seminar

    “Senior seminar” to show off research findings and knowledge gained as a Biology major

  • BIOL-L290/L490 Introduction to Research and Research in Microbiology

    Work in the lab for credit!