Teaching

As a father, educator, and someone who studies global change, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the next generation of humans. Teaching is an essential aspect of my scientific career, enabling me to clarify and enhance my understanding of concepts while remaining current and learning from students and mentees.

The bulk of my teaching experience has been as Instructor for the Biology of Populations and Communities course and the Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Having significantly improved my pedagogical skills through these experiences, I received the Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Department of Biological Sciences in 2018.

I have also taught fundamental STEM concepts to K–2 students through laboratory curricula as Instructor at the Pinhead Institute in Telluride, Colorado, as well as plant identification and ecological monitoring to high school students via the Telluride Institute Watershed Education Program. 

I have served as co-advisor for one undergraduate thesis and advised four undergraduate research projects. I have completed pedagogical training in STEM and Inclusion in higher-education. My path has led me to do a lot more research than teaching thus far, but I look forward to additional opportunities in the future to engage and learn from students, improve my communication skills, and delight in sharing my knowledge of life on our planet.