Teaching Philosophy

Evidence-Based Teaching Practices

I employ a wide range of educational tools empirically shown to improve learning. The central theme to my teaching methods is active learning, which promotes knowledge retention, builds higher order cognitive skills, and reduces achievement gaps between students. I use a backwards course design, outlining key skills and concepts that I want students to gain from a course, determining appropriate assessment methods, and building course activities that will allow students to accomplish those learning goals.

Commitment to a Welcoming Learning Environment

I believe that effective education is inseparable from the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and my teaching and mentoring practices reflect that. I work to demystify higher education and associated career paths to level the playing field for my students. My coursework highlights research from members of marginalized communities to promote better representation in the sciences.

Experience

Teaching Assistant, University of Washington

2015-2020 Introductory Biology (Physiology): Taught labs, adapted material for online version, course development

2019 Vertebrate Paleontology: Taught labs, developed lab material and coursework, lectured, developed discussion exercises

2015, 2017, 2018 Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates: Taught labs, developed lab material and coursework, lectured

2014, 2016 Introductory Biology (Evolution and Ecology): Taught labs

2016 Evolution of the Earth: Taught labs

2016 Introduction to Geological Sciences: Taught labs