My teaching interests lie in various aspects of organismal and evolutionary biology. I like teaching introductory courses because I enjoy introducing students to the wonders of the living world. I also find it satisfying to go into greater depth on topics related to my research interests by teaching advanced courses in Mammalogy and Conservation Biology. In the labs for several courses, I take students out into the field, where they can experience and learn about the natural world first hand.
Courses Taught
BIOL 104 Human Ecology: A non-majors course on ecology and the environment. Emphasis on how past and present human activities will influence the planet’s future; discussion of population, pollution, and attitudes affecting ecosystem balance and stability.
BIOL 114 Introductory Biology I: The first of two introductory courses for Biology majors. Covers general principles of biology, with an emphasis on structures and processes at or below the level of the cell.
BIOL 115 Introductory Biology II: The second of two introductory courses for Biology majors. Covers general principles of biology, with an emphasis on the classification, structure, and function of plants, animals, and other organisms.
BIOL 462 / 562 Mammalogy: An upper-level undergraduate / graduate course on the biology of mammals. Topics include the biology of mammals, worldwide diversity of mammals, and identification and natural history of Pennsylvania mammals. Field experience with mammals and use of the literature of mammalogy are integral parts of the course. A research project is required when taking this course for graduate credit.
BIOL 463 / 563 Conservation Biology: An upper-level undergraduate / graduate course on conservation biology. Explores the current biodiversity crisis, including the ethical and legal foundations underlying the discipline of conservation biology, factors that have led to the current biodiversity crisis, and approaches used by conservation biologists to maintain and restore biodiversity.