Teaching

I firmly believe that students learn science best by doing science. While I recognize that not all of my students will go on to be scientists, everyone can benefit from thinking critically, questioning assumptions, making decisions based on evidence, and playing with mud. I will have done my job as a science educator if my students leave my class better able to make observations about the world around them, ask questions, and develop strategies to establish new knowledge. In order to achieve this goal, I design inquiry-driven, student-centered courses, and include principles of active learning into my classroom. I also strive to create a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds, and work to incorporate student experiences and interests into my lessons.

Courses taught

• University of Freiburg (2019-2020):
  • Chemical Ecology of Plants: Lecturer
  • Applied Climate Impacts Research: Co-instructor for practical course
  • Experimental Ecosystem Physiology: Co-instructor for practical course
• ETH – Zurich (2015-2018):
  • Isotopic and Organic Tracers in Biogeochemistry: Lecturer
  • Isotopic and Organic Tracers in Biogeochemistry Practical Course: Instructor and laboratory coordinator
  • Introductory Environmental Chemistry: Field instructor for sedimentology
• University of Washington – Seattle (2010-2014):
  • Chemical Oceanography: Teaching Assistant
  • Culture, Conservation, and Climate on Kosrae, Micronesia: Co-instructor for study abroad course
• School District of Philadelphia (2006-2008):
  • Chemistry (11th/12th grade), Physics (12th grade), and Physical Science (9th grade): Teach for America Corps Member at W.B. Saul and Lankenau High Schools
    

    UW undergrads and Kosraean high school students survive the mangrove swamp

    

    UW undergraduates learn about coastal ecosystems on Kosrae, Micronesia

    

    UW undergrads catch up on the literature about coral reef conservation while on Kosrae, Micronesia

    

    UW undergraduates record salinity data in the Nefalil Estuary, Kosrae

    

    UW undergrads compare management strategies of coral reefs at Okat Harbor and Utwe Ma, on Kosrae Micronesia

    

    UW undergrads get instructions before surveying the freshwater swamp in Yela, Kosrae

    

    ETH undergrads count varves and calculate sediment accumulation rates in Lake Greifen, Switzerland

    

    ETH undergrads prepare to open a sediment core from Lake Greifen, Switzerland