Teaching Philosophy

I believe in helping students develop tangible and transferable skills while fostering their curiosity and interest in the world around us.  My courses are built on practices of active learning, open and clear communication, and guided independent work. When possible, I integrate course-based research experience into my classroom. This gives students a chance to learn first-hand what research is like, while building confidence in research skills to take on future opportunities. I tailor my lessons and primary literature to my students' expressed interests and develop assignments that actively engage students and teach them skills in coding, science communication, and critical thinking. I believe in an open and inclusive classroom where every member feel as though they can bring their whole self to class, and I am always open to feedback to improve my instruction and the experience of my students.

Courses Taught

Instructor: 
Plant & Their Partners: Exploring mutualisms and their effect on how ecosystems work [Wheaton College, Spring 2021]
Biodiversity and Ecology of Tropical Forests [Brown University, Summer 2019]
The Global Past, Present, and Future of Earth’s Forest [Brown University, canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19]

Teaching Assistant:
Environmental Science in a Changing World [Brown University, Fall 2016]
Terrestrial Biogeochemistry and the Functioning of Ecosystems [Brown University, Fall 2019]
Tropical Forest Ecology [Colgate University; extended study to Costa Rica in Winter 2020]