Digital Teaching Portfolio
Emily B. Cahoon
Ph.D. & R.G.
(she/her/hers)*
what drives me as an educator and a mentor in the geosciences
Welcome!
I'm captivated by igneous environments! My research explores continental flood basalt volcanism and my expertise is in geochemistry, petrology, ArAr geochronology, and volcanology. I enjoy comparing characteristics and trends between volcanic systems, especially the challenge of distinguishing geochemical and spatial variability with time!
I am also an enthusiastic educator! My goal is to clearly convey both simple and complex topics to a variety of audiences without oversimplification. I have earned a Certificate of Innovation in College Teaching, a certificate in Universal Design for Learning, and have experience teaching a variety of 100- and 300-level courses as instructor of record. I am also passionate about science communication, striving to present accessible science while supporting an inclusive and equitable learning environment. These opportunities have improved my teaching and communication skills by providing me exposure-to and experience-with higher education research initiatives and evidence-based instructional approaches.
The following content summarizes how my experiences (inside and outside of the classroom) have helped me identify innovations in higher education and shaped me as an educator in the field of geology!
Courses Taught
(in-person & online)
Physical Geology
Environmental Geology
Mineralogy
Petrology
Volcanology
Geological Data Analysis and Visualization
Petrography
Teaching Certificates & Professional Workshops
Certificate of Innovation in College Teaching, 2020
Office of Academic Innovation, Portland State University, OR
Universal Design for Learning Certificate, 2021
Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, OR
NAGT Early Career Geoscience Faculty Workshop: Teaching, Research and Managing Your Career (June 2022)
Learning Management Systems
Desie2Learn (D2L), Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas
Related Conference Contributions
Cahoon, E.B., 2021, “I could never work for the enemy”: The Importance of Teaching Ethics and Environmental Racism in the Geosciences: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs (oral presentation)
Mentorship
Philosophy
My mentorship philosophy is student-centric. I aim to serve as a broker connecting students with opportunities that enable them to make informed professional decisions. I am extremely passionate about civility, high-quality leadership, and constructive mentorship and management practices... these need to be valued in the academic workplace!
Dr. Christine Porath discusses the science behind this in my absolute favorite TED talk! (15 min listen)
"Why being respectful to your coworkers is good for business"
Students
Kyle Nunley (OSU, B.S. student in collaborative cohort) 2023
Cheyenne Yost (OSU, B.S. student in collaborative cohort) 2023
Scott Toney (OSU, B.S. student in collaborative cohort) 2023
Mary Mass (PSU, M.S. committee member) 2023
Luke Fredenberg (PSU, M.S. committee member) 2022
Jonathan Gladwell (PSU, B.S.) 2022
Cisil Badur (Auburn University, M.S. committee member) 2022
Nolan Vlahovich (UAA, B.S.) 2021
Melinda Muckenthaler (PSU, B.S.) 2020
Stephanie Welch (PSU, B.S.) 2020
Dr. Porath begins her talk by asking...
“Who do you want to be?
It’s a simple question, and whether you know it or not, you’re answering it every day through your actions. This one question will define your professional success more than any other, because
how you show up and treat people means everything.
Either you lift people up by respecting them, making them feel valued, appreciated and heard, or you hold people down by making them feel small, insulted, disregarded or excluded.”
My education, teaching experience, research interests, conference papers/presentations, academic leadership and service, membership in professional organizations, etc.
My philosohpy of both teaching and learning in the classroom, out in the field, and in the professional world
My philosophy and efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the geosciences
Ideas I want to implement as part of student mentoring and motiviate other research advisors in my future department
My goals for future courses, collaborative projetcs, and mentoring opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students
Reflections of teaching methods through videoed consultations, peer evaluations, and student feedback
Science communication, workshops & professional organizations, and my participation in Lesson Study
Teaching resources and best practices in the age of virtual delivery
Bringing anti-racism into geoscience curriculum.
Applying for graduate school
Building your CV/ resume
Finding internships/ research experience
Learning about licensure (ASBOG)
in-progress
Questions? Please reach out!
Email: emily.cahoon@oregonstate.edu
Instagram: emily.cahooner
I am always excited to discuss collaborative teaching ideas & opportunities!
last updated in May 2022
A faculty position combines my passion for teaching, mentorship, and research of magmatic environments – with an emphasis on field investigations and volcanic terranes. My long-term career goal is to examine processes that lead to unique geologic environments, mentor undergraduate and graduate students to be productive and socially aware scientists in both industry and academic geology, and collaborate with other analytical but imaginative scientists.
I aim to explore research topics that are creative and applicable for human innovation - combining my passion for geologic investigation with my interpersonal communication skills. I approach my work with intention - and motivate others through a positive attitude, inventive research, and candid approach to scientific discovery.