Teaching philosophy and experience
 

I have considerable experience in student training, classroom teaching, and outreach activities. I have designed and taught biology / ecology courses both at the undergraduate and graduate level. I frequently use multiple sessions of progressively complex ‘case studies’ based on simulated and ‘real-world’ problems, and supplement classroom experience with hands-on research / experimental experience. Specific courses taught and planned are listed in my CV.

I have developed a pedagogical model that will enhance participation and retention of Native American students in graduate research and education in Ecology / Environmental Sciences. This model leverages ongoing partnerships between two regional tribal colleges and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and federal programs such as Scientific Knowledge for Indian Learning and Leadership (SKILL) and Bridges to Success. This past Summer, as part of the Bridges to Success program, two Native American students participated in a 6-week apprenticeship on ecological research in my laboratory, learning basic research skills such as developing a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis, and collect, analyze, and present the data. In the model, subsequent to this form of initial exposure, Native American students undergo a progressively intense research experience, evaluated using non-cognitive variables, and successful candidates are enrolled in MS / Ph.D. programs. Other innovative features of the model build on my past collaboration with colleagues and include opportunities for summer traineeship of Native American students in their laboratories. This model is now at the core for a much larger multi-institution effort to facilitate the participation of Native American students in professorate, which is being pursued at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. 

I will continue to be guided by my teaching philosophy that the relationship between research and education is that of parity. This approach couples strong academic base with field and lab work to instill interest in ecology and related disciplines.