Instructor of Record
Bucknell University
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (NEUR 253/BIOL 375, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Fall 2022) This course explores the major areas of cellular and molecular neurobiology, focusing on major concepts and recent advances in experimental neuroscience. Topics of exploration include excitable cells and membranes, ion channels and receptors, synaptic transmission, cell-type determination, axon guidance, neuronal cell biology, synapse formation, and homeostasis. The required co-requisite laboratory component provides hands-on experience with live animal models as well as virtual explorations of brain organization and function.
- Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) (BIOL 202, Spring 2022): This discovery-based course is designed to engage, train, and mentor students in an active learning CURE that provides them with opportunities to
i) gain curiosity-driven research experience (Become a Scientist),
ii) learn how to construct and test a scientific hypothesis (Think like a Scientist),
iii) practice how to integrate novel findings with known data (Work as a Scientist),
iv) and be trained in the growing field of neuroscience. - Neural Circuits (BIOL 319, Fall 2020) From the roundworm C. elegans with it’s 302 neurons to humans with their estimated 1 billion neurons, brains are incredibly complex. We study model systems to gain a better understanding of the general principles of brain function. Topics we explored included neurons as information processing units; simple and complex circuits underlying sensory information processing and motor control; development and plasticity of neural circuits. Discussion of primary literature was the main emphasis. In coordination with their peers, small groups of students selected a preprint to review and communicated their analysis with the authors. We invited authors of each week’s paper to discuss their findings, as well as aspects of their scientific career development. In this course students learned how to evaluate the primary scientific literature, think critically about scientific data and how to communicate ideas more broadly.
Harvey Mudd College
- Biology Laboratory (Bio 23, Spring 2020) Application of molecular biology techniques to problems in human genetics, bioengineering, and environmental sensing.
California Institute of Technology
- Neurobiology of Insects (Bi23 Fall 2018) For over 100 years, insects have been used to study diverse topics in neurobiology ranging from neurogenesis to neural circuit function. In this course we worked our way through understanding the basic organizational principles of insect nervous systems including sensory, motor and interneuronal systems in order to understand how they govern various aspects of behavior. This course used Drosophila melanogaster neurobiology as the primary lens upon which to focus our studies, but extended to primary literature where larger insects were used to understand neurobiology. Lectures and student led discussions covered topics such as neural development, systems neuroscience, behavior, and physiology. Students will left with a better understanding of why insects continue to be at the forefront of understanding how animals interact with their world.
Graduate Teaching Fellowships
University of Oregon
- Science Literacy Program Fellow, Animal Behavior (2014, 2015) Paired with a faculty member to assist in teaching a course in Animal Behavior. Developed skills in teaching, mentoring, and assessment, while also building understanding of evidence-based teaching strategies, active learning, and emerging best practices in pedagogy.
- Marine Biology (2012, 2014)
- Parasitology (2013)
- Biology (2011)
Tutor
Pima Community College
- Organic Chemistry (2006-2007, 2009)
- Biology (2009)
- Chemistry (2004-2007, 2009)
- Writing (2006-2007)
Preceptor
University of Arizona
- Biochemistry (2008-2009)