Links:

Evolution Society      Teaching Evolution    Smithsonian Institution

Teaching and science outreach have never been more important.  Our scientific knowledge is greater today than it has ever been, yet mistrust of scientists and lack of scientific understanding are pervasive in society.  As scientists, it is in our best interest (and the best interest of society as a whole) to convey our results to a large audience in creative ways.  

In addition to traditional teaching in the classroom, we are involved in a variety of teaching and outreach programs.

Teaching Research:   

    Factors influencing student engagement in lab activities (with John Basey, University of Colorado [CU])

    Implementation of Peer-to-Peer Learning in large lecture courses (with Andy Martin, Sarah Wise, Anne-Marie Hoskinson, CU)

Teaching:   

    Course Development                           

        Human-mediated evolution (Adult Education Program, Smithsonian National Zoo)

    Teaching Assistantships

        Evolutionary Biology (college level lab and recitation instructor, CU)

        Genetics: Molecules to populations (college level recitation instructor, CU)

        General Biology I and II (college level lab instructor, CU)

        Ecology (college level lab instructor, CU)

    Teaching Fellowships

        General Science (4th grade science fellow, Ryan Elementary School, Lafayette CO)

        Life Science (7th and 8th grade science fellow, Louisville Middle School, Louisville CO)

Ongoing Outreach:

    Evolution Education

        Teaching Controversial Topics (organize an annual workshop for high school teachers)

    Science education for kids

        Research presentations for visiting students (Goldrick Elementary School, CO; Thomas Jefferson High School, VA; Sherwood High School, MD)

        Non-invasive DNA activities (Autumn Conservation Festival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute)

Mentoring:

We believe mentoring is important at all levels of academia, and encourage activities that increase communication among primary and high school students, undergraduate and graduate students, and beyond.  We are also involved in exchange programs with the Smithsonian Institution and other organizations that allow students to experience different types of institutions.