Teaching

Principles of Evolution - BIOL481

Patterns and processes of evolutionary change are used to explore the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Basic models of population genetics, quantitative genetics, development, phylogenetics and systematics are used to build a conceptual framework for study of living systems.

The Human Microbiome - BIOL491/691

Biology of host-associated microbiomes with an emphasis on the human microbiome. Investigate microbial impacts on the behavior, physiology and fitness of their host. Explore model and non-model systems. Student projects in this course may satisfy the capstone project requirements of the biological science degree.

Previous course instruction

  • 2011-2012          Indiana University
    Special topics in Evolutionary Biology: Modern Synthesis, Adaptive Landscapes; Guest lecture: Coevolution-humans & diseases
  • 2005-2010          Washington State University
    Lab instructor: Introductory Organismal Biology, Marine Ecology; Guest lectures: Introduction to Mathematical Biology, Principles of Organic Evolution
  • 2003                    Boston University
    Assistant in lecture and lab: Molecular Ecology and Evolution
  • 1998-2000          University of Utah
    Lab instructor: Molecular Evolution; Assistant in lecture: Principles of Ecology and Evolution, Principles of Biology II, Organismal Diversity Form and Function

Workshops

  • 2020                    Antibiotic Discovery Alaska, workshop introducing undergraduates to microbiology.
  • 2018, 2019         Genomics and Epidemiology capacity building workshop with Bortz on African swine fever virus using nanopore sequencing in Kyiv, Ukraine.
  • 2018, 2019         STEMSEAS with Ducluzeau, mobile nanopore sequencing workshop aboard the R/V Sikuliaq in the Gulf of Alaska.
  • 2016, 2017, 2018            MinION Hackathon, workshop introducing students to nanopore sequencing. Locations: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK; Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference, Nome, AK; Alaska Branch of American Society for Microbiology, Fairbanks, AK.

Teaching and Mentoring Education

  • 2019                    EPIC, University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Two-semester, cohort-based program that supports UAF teachers developing and delivering online courses.
  • 2016                    Research Mentor Training, National Research Mentoring Network
    A synchronous online six week training workshop focused on improving mentoring relationships with undergraduates researchers. Training included a community of peers from across the country.
  • 2015                    iTeach, University of Alaska Fairbanks
    A hands-on workshop offered by the Instructional Design Team at UAF eLearning & Distance Education. This workshop is tailored to help faculty improve upon everything from how to gather and manage research, to creating course schedules that work, to building and managing online learning communities, and everything in between.
  • 2007                    Preparation for College Teaching, Washington State University
    Formal instruction from a diversity of departments of strategies for teaching material in different contexts including student assessment activities beyond standard tests and quizzes. Other topics included: communication skills for engaging students during a lecture as well as leadership and management skills to help combine an active research program with teaching responsibilities.