Teaching
Philosophy
My role as an educator is to support a variety of learning needs by using teaching methods that engage students with different learning styles.
I frequently use active learning strategies like group activities, collaborative discussions, and hands-on projects to encourage students to interact directly with the material.
These approaches help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject, along with critical thinking and communication skills.
I also foster open dialogue in the classroom, encouraging students to share their ideas and questions to enhance their learning experience.
Courses Taught
Introductory Entomology (EPP321)
Course Description:
This upper-level undergraduate course introduces students to the biology, diversity, and ecological roles of insects. It provides a foundation in insect morphology, physiology, behavior, and evolution, with an emphasis on recognizing their diversity and understanding their broad impacts on ecosystems and human society.
Lecture Component:
A typical class period combines brief lectures introducing core concepts interspersed with structured discussions and interactive exercises that help students process the material and apply ideas to real-world examples of insect biology.
Laboratory Component:
Lab sessions give students the opportunity to explore insect biology through direct observation and hands-on work. Students examine both live and preserved specimens to study insect morphology, development, behavior, and taxonomic identification.
Insect Collection:
A major component of the course is an insect collection project, where students collect, prepare, and identify a variety of specimens to create a curated collection that demonstrates their ability to properly preserve and classify insect diversity.
