Teaching

At centre college

I joined Centre College in 2023 as the Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and as an Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies.

My main focus is to implement multiple types of faculty programming, help faculty design courses and class materials through consultations, manage faculty grant programs, conduct classroom observations, and work with programs and units all across campus.

Additionally, I serve on the RICE (Research, Internships, and Creative Endeavors), Program Assessment, and General Education committees and teach environmental geology.

my teaching philosophy

A teacher does not simply impart knowledge, but uncovers it with the student

The foundational principles of my teaching philosophy are

student’s active involvement in their own learning should be a central focus
teaching and mentorship go hand in hand
teaching is an iterative process

These principles enhance student learning, prepare students for success in college and beyond, and help keep teaching fresh.

Some key components of my teaching style include using active learning strategies, student reflections, retrieval practice, regular formative assessment, and multimodal learning.

environmental geology

As part of the Environmental Studies Program at Centre College, I teach Environmental Geology (ENS 290).

This course focuses on geologic hazards, natural resources, and the link between humans, society, and the environment. Specific topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, rivers, floods, mining, fossil fuels, groundwater, karst, and pollution.

Special emphasis is placed on geospatial thinking (lots of cool maps!) and quantitative data.

See recent earthquakes at the USGS: Latest Earthquakes Map

My class also focuses a lot on Kentucky, which is rich and diverse in resources and geological history—Kentucky Geological Survey.

Sandstone rock at Shanty Hollow Lake, Bowling Green Kentucky.