Teaching
Teaching Philosophy
I am an animated, inclusive educator who believes that incorporating interdisciplinary, project-based work that reinforces generally applicable skills encourages success for students of all backgrounds.
I believe in demystifying math and physics for earth science undergraduates and that students must possess quantitative and programming skills to thrive as modern geoscientists and in the STEM workforce.
Discussing glacier ogive formation with students on the Juneau Icefield Research Program.
In the classroom
Appalachian State University
(13) Quantifying Environmental Change (GES 3140) - utilizing geospatial data to analyze & understand climatic & environmental change
(12) Environmental Science Field & Lab Methods (GES 2752)
(11) Engineering Geology (GES 4705)
(10) Preparation for Careers in Geology & Environmental Science (GES 2750) - scientific writing, software, and professional development
(9) Geology Senior Seminar (GES 4210)
(8) Mechanics of Earth Systems (GLY/ENV 3530)
(7) Water: Mountains to Sea lab (GLY 1104)
(6) Historical Geology Lab (GLY 1102)
(5) Physical Geology Lab (GLY 1101)
University of Colorado at Boulder
(4) Principles of Geomorphology Lab (GEOL 4241)
(3) Fluid Earth Lab (GEOL 3802)
Fluid mechanics in earth systems
(2) Planet Earth Lab (GEOL 2001)
Data analysis in earth science
(1) Introductory Geology Lab (GEOL 1030)
ASU undergraduates investigate fluid viscosity by applying Stokes' settling law.
JIRP students use a total station and GIS to construct a precise camp map.
In the field
Experience in the field gives students intimate, intuitive knowledge of their study subject and allows them to see that things are not always as simple as the textbook would have them believe.
To foster student learning, I have participated in many field teaching programs. I served as guest faculty on the Juneau Icefield Research Program, where I instructed students on glacier mechanics, geodesy, and computer programming. I have assisted with numerous field trips to the San Rafael Swell (Utah) to study hillslope and fluvial geomorphic processes and landscape evolution.
Our teaching and research on the Juneau Icefield was profiled in Scientific American.
Mentoring and workshops
In addition to the formal teaching experience described above, I have sought opportunities to advise student research and develop skills workshops to educate my peers. I created and presented MATLAB and Geospatial Analysis in Python workshops that I regularly presented in CU University Libraries brown bag "Learner's Lunches". Presentations are available on GitHub.
Investigating badland landscape evolution in the San Rafael Swell, Utah. Photo: Bob Anderson
Discussing mechanics of crevasse generation on the Juneau Icefield. GIF by Allen Pope.