Teaching Philosophy: I view teaching as a bit of an art, or maybe a juggling act, as one has to find a way to communicate to students who not only enter at various educational levels, but also have a variety of different learning styles. It is my role to guide students through the learning process, using techniques that will reach the majority of the class throughout the semester. In my classroom, the lectures are interspersed with techniques that will help actively engage the student, such as case studies, classroom ‘clickers’/student response systems, smart boards or peer-based learning. I work to create an environment in the class room where the students feel comfortable enough to ask me questions because science is an active on-going process that requires formulating questions and testing ideas.
MCDB 1150 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Covers biologically important macromolecules and biological processes, together with an introduction to cell structure, function, and physiology. Provides the foundation for advanced MCDB courses to majors, and a rigorous overview of modern biology to non-majors. Recommended prerequisite: high school chemistry and algebra, and recommended corequisite of MCDB 1152.
MCDB 1152 - Problem Solving Co-Seminar for Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in a corequisite course, MCDB 1150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Recommended corequisite: MCDB 1150.
MCDB 1161 - From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Laboratory I
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Provides laboratory experience working on a bacteriophage genomics research project. Students will study novel bacteriophage they isolate from the environment. Topics covered include phage biology, bacteria and phage culturing and amplification, DNA isolation, restriction digest analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy. Recommended prerequisites or corequisites: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210.
