Teaching Interests

One of the most important and rewarding aspects of a career in scientific research is the opportunity to teach and share discoveries, new and old, with students and the public. As a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, I have been very active in teaching at the undergraduate level, as well as with elementary and public outreach education programs. Teaching at every level has its own unique challenges and rewards; I have been particulary drawn to engaging students who otherwise see themselves as non-scientists and helping them to develop the critical links between science and society that allow them to see why a basic understanding of earth sciences is important to them, regardless of their future careers or interests. In addition to introductory courses, I have interest in teaching in the fields if limnology and limnogeology, global environmental change, hydrology and geomorphology, and related areas.

Undergraduate Teaching Experience

2006-2007: Lecturer, University of Minnesota

• Geology 1001: The Earth and Its Environments (syllabus)
• Geology 1006: Oceanography (syllabus)

2005: Adjunct Faculty, University of Saint Thomas

• Geology 114: The Science of Natural Disasters (syllabus)

2003-2005: Teaching Assistant, University of Minnesota

• Geology 1001 laboratory: The Earth and Its Environments

2000-2001: Teaching Assistant, Macalester College

• Historical Geology laboratory
• Physical Geology laboratory
• Mojave Desert field course

Additional Teaching Experience

2005-2007: Faculty, Catalyst Summer Institute (Saint Paul, MN)

Developed and taught week-long programs for the Catalyst Summer Institute, a science institute and research experience for K-6 classroom teachers to inspire new interests, increase knowledge, and improve teaching effectiveness in the sciences.

2005-2006: Volunteer Scientist, Common X-Change Program (Saint Paul, MN)

Developed lessons in cooperation with classroom teachers and led classes for 2nd and 3rd grade groups for Common X-Change, a volunteer program which brings scientists into area classrooms to inspire students and engage classrooms in investigative learning.

1997-2003: Trail Guide, YMCA Camp Widjiwagan (Ely, MN)

Solo and co-lead guiding for 2-6 week canoe and backpack wilderness trips for teen women in Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, and Canada.

2001-2002: Teacher, Science On Wheels Program, Pacific Science Center (Seattle, WA)

Taught for an outreach program in K-8 science, utilizing school assemblies, classroom sessions, and mini-museums to bring a science museum experience to urban and rural schools.

1997-2001: Volunteer Teacher, Geological Society of Minnesota (Saint Paul, MN)

Taught for a volunteer outreach program bringing rock and fossil displays to schools, scout groups, and science fairs.

Coursework in Education

• GRAD8200: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Active Learning and Course Design in the Sciences
• University of Minnesota Teaching Enrichment Series: Maximizing Student Learning