My professional and scholarly goals include:

• Teaching excellence
• Implementing a problem based approach in biology courses
• Promoting the benefits of undergraduate research fellowships
• Providing effective training for graduate students

Teaching Philosophy

I have attempted to introduce a problem based approach in the lower division biology courses using a variety of methods. First, I introduce lecture topics with a question or hypothesis that requires resolution. I currently use a classroom response system to survey students on how they believe this question should be addressed. Second, I regularly assign review articles that complement the lecture material and textbook. Third, I tend not ask definition type exam questions. In an attempt to encourage critical thinking skills, exam questions require the integration of two or more concepts.