Teaching

BIO 196, Biology Introductory Research Practicum: Wildlife Research

Course based undergraduate research experience (CURE) focused on hands-on field-based wildlife research. Research projects have included terrestrial arthropod and vegetation sampling in oak woodlands and gull coastal abundance, habitat associations, and foraging behavior surveys.

BIO 211 L & BIO 211 D, Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity & Plants Lab and Discussion

Focuses on biodiversity, evolution, plant biology and doing scientific research in ecology and plant physiology.

BIO 240 & 240 L, Ecology, Evolution & Biodiversity

Examines the evolutionary and ecological relationships of organisms with their environment, as well as the breadth of biological diversity. Activities focus on conducting scientific experiments and writing in the scientific style.

BIO 292, Professional Development for Biologists

This course is intended for students who will seek or are participating in undergraduate science internships. Students will explore opportunities for career development, create standard documents for applying to professional experiences, and develop their professional communication and networking skills. Students will also be introduced to campus services that support career development, including the Science Internship Program and the Career Development Center.

BIO 301, Research & Technical Writing in Biology

This course develops skills in the written communication of biological information, and introduces bibliographic research, design/interpretation of experiments, visual presentation of results, and preparation of technical communications in biology. It enhances the skills of biology majors by focusing on elements of research, interpretation, and written presentation that typically require considerable practice.

BIO 340 & 340 L, Ecology

Introduces ecological concepts and theory by exploring the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Monterey Bay. A systems approach teaches how organisms interact with one another and with the natural world around them. Emphasizes population, community, and ecosystem level ecology.

BIO 345 & 345 L Marine Biology

Examines the physical, biological, and evolutionary factors influencing the organisms in the many diverse marine habitats on earth. Introduces marine research topics and environmental issues by exploring the natural history of local marine habitats. Lab Focuses on the living organisms found in marine habitats of Monterey Bay.

BIO 356, Zoological Specimen Preparation

Preparation and care of animal specimens for museums/education. Students learn species identification, relaxation and wet preservation of marine invertebrates, pinning and mounting of insects, and preparation and preservation of salvaged mammals and birds for study skins.

BIO 362, Field Ornithology

Introduces students to bird identification and field research techniques, and exposes them to broad concepts in avian biology. Lectures cover avian diversity, evolutionary history, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Field and laboratory activities train students in the practical application of standardized field methods, including census techniques, behavioral observations, and habitat measurements.

BIO 493, Biology Test-Based Capstone

The major outcome of this capstone is for a student to study for and satisfactorily complete an approved standardized test that has a biology focus. Students can take the DAT, OAT or MCAT, or GRE subject exam in Biochemistry and Cell Biology or Biology, or one of the approved Biology sections of the CSET.

BIO/ENVS 394 & 494, Biology/Environmental Science Internship

Students work with practicing professionals in the community in a volunteer or paid internship that requires biology skills. Academic credit is awarded for documented learning that takes place during the internship and that meets individualized and core internship outcomes.

ENVS 300, Reading, Writing & Critical Thinking in Environmental Science

Students develop library research, writing, and critical analysis skills they will need to link science to policy decisions. Students develop a learning plan that integrates their ENVS concentration, capstone interests, and personal and professional goals.

MSCI 340, Marine Ecology

This course will provide an overview of key concepts in marine ecology and familiarize students with local marine ecosystems (rocky shores, kelp beds, estuarine wetlands, and mud flats).

MSCI 545, Marine Ecological Systems

Examines the fundamentals of marine ecology, emphasizing experimental design and use of technologies that are appropriately scaled to answer management questions. Lectures emphasize the processes contributing to the structure and organization of marine communities, the role of humans as a major source of disturbance, and the efficacy of current management paradigms. Laboratories emphasize current technologies and analytical approaches used in the study of sub-tidal marine communities.

RSCH 200, Undergraduate Research I

Introduces students to scholarly research and prepares them for undergraduate research opportunities. Students will be exposed to research methodologies, literature reviews, ethics in research, plagiarism, and other critical research themes. Students will build relevant professional skills, such as public speaking, and faculty panels will help demystify the research environment.

RSCH 300, Undergraduate Research II

Prepares students for the rigors of undergraduate research and increases their content knowledge. Students write a research report, participate in journal clubs, and engage in activities designed to bolster their capabilities for scholarly research. Guided activities help students refine their career goals and field of study. Students explore graduate programs and graduate school admissions requirements.

RSCH 301, Undergraduate Research III

Prepares students to conduct independent research and strengthens their communication skills . Students develop research proposal, prepare and present research talks, engage in scholarly peer review,and develop professionalism. Students investigate graduate programs and prepare for the Graduate Record Examination.

RSCH 400, Undergradaute Research IV

Fosters advanced academic skills, such as leadership and academic ownership, that will prepare students for a successful transition to graduate school. Students present their research at regional and national conferences, and develop peer-reviewed publications. Students also develop their graduate school application package: personal statement, research statement, cover letter, curriculum vitae, and scholarship/fellowship applications.

RSCH 294/394, UROC Research Program

The UROC research program supports students’ mentored undergraduate research experiences, strengthens academic and professional skills, and helps students explore research-based academic and career pathways. Students are introduced to the norms and precepts of academic research, including research ethics and conduct; develop writing and professional communication skills; create resumes and other professional products; and present their research at research conferences and symposia.

EEMB 3 L, Introduction to the Diversity of Life

Laboratory introduction to the major taxonomic groups. The diversity of microbes, plants, and animals is examined using living and preserved materials.

EEMB 120 AL, Field Ecology

Practical studies in ecology in both field and laboratory, emphasizing the design and analysis of experiments pertaining to population dynamics, competition, predation, diversity, adaptation, and life history strategies.

EEMB 120 BL, Independent Ecological Research

Practical studies in ecology in both field and laboratory. Individual projects are emphasized, and each student designs, executes and analyzes an independent research project.

EEMB 276, Advanced Biostatistics

Accelerated overview of parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques that are used in the biological sciences. The course unifies many traditional statistical tests by expressing them all as a single unified testing protocol. Students use computerized sampling to evaluate the robustness and power of a wide diversity of parametric vs. nonparametric tests. Students also learn to use computerized software to carry out all the tests described in the lecture class.

Curriculum Development – Ecology, Evolution, & Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

EEMB 2 L, Laboratory Investigations of Life

Introduction to population and community ecology, and evolution. Laboratory investigations illustrate basic principles of animal and plant physiology, ecology, and evolution. I developed lab modules that used analysis of intertidal photoquadrates to introduce students to concepts of ecology and field biology.