Teaching Philosophy

I teach courses in introductory ecology, community ecology, field ecology, and marine biology. Whether the enrollment is large or small, my goal is to create a safe, equitable, and stimulating learning environment. I want students to build confidence in fundamental ecological concepts so that they can apply that knowledge in practical ways throughout their life. I am particularly interested in exposing students to experiential field experiences through courses at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center and through independent research opportunities.

Courses at Oregon State University

BI 370 Ecology (3 credits) The study of interactions between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments at the population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels of organization.

BI 450 Marine Biology and Ecology (15 credits) A comprehensive lecture and laboratory introduction to the flora and fauna of the marine environment approached from the level of the organism to ecosystem. Ecological patterns and processes characteristic of marine communities will be emphasized. Taught at Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR.

IB 594 Community Ecology (5 credits) Theory and analysis of multispecies associations. Emphasis on extent to which existing ecological theory is supported by natural phenomena. Considers how biotic and abiotic mechanisms interact to regulate community organization and stability in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. 

Textbook Publications

I am an author of two textbooks, Ecology (Bowman and Hacker, Oxford University Press) and Life: The Science of Biology (Hillis, Heller, Hacker, Hall, Laskowski, Sadava, Macmillan).