TEACHING
As an educator in the biological sciences, I challenge and support my students to master foundational concepts, to develop a conceptual framework of biology enabling them to integrate new knowledge, and to appreciate the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world. My teaching philosophy draws on problem-solving and experiential learning activities to actively engage students in scientific inquiry and to promote critical thinking. I am committed to developing a community of scholars in the sciences that better reflects the diversity of our society. This begins in the classroom and is extended through opportunities in student-led research collaborations and participation in science literacy outreach.
I have developed and taught a diversity of biological science courses and guest lectures in animal behavior, physiology, ecology, evolution, and wildlife conservation in classroom, laboratory, and field settings.
I have developed and taught a diversity of biological science courses and guest lectures in animal behavior, physiology, ecology, evolution, and wildlife conservation in classroom, laboratory, and field settings.
Ecology and conservation of migratory birds
hormones and behavior
Learning Outcomes: The major focus of the course is comparative and evolutionary approaches to the study of the relationship between reproductive hormones and reproductive behavior. Related topics include hormonal contributions to aggression, stress, learning and memory, and biological rhythms.
|
animal behavior
Learning Outcomes: The general goals of this course are to introduce students to each of the following:
|
ornithology
Learning Outcomes: Students gain an appreciation for the diversity of birds and are introduced to aspects of the biology of birds. The course combines field trips with lectures and hands-on taxonomic identification of study skins.
|
conservation and natural resources management
Learning Outcomes: Students gain a greater understanding of natural resource and cultural sustainability issues specific to New Zealand, and globally, through exposure to and participation in:
|
responsible eco-travel and eco-tourism
Learning Outcomes: Students gain a greater understanding of responsible eco-travel and eco-tourism practices, including: cultural respect, selecting low impact activities, researching the most environmentally sustainable operators, responsible purchasing and reducing consumption, water and energy conservation, benefits to local communities, protection of natural environments, creating awareness, and positive interactions with people and wildlife...and we share in a lot of adventures!
|
introductory biology
Learning Outcomes: The goal of this course is for students to gain a strong foundation in fundamental biological concepts and the ways that scientists study them. All of biology operates under the constraints of the mechanisms of evolution. Therefore, central to developing this foundation, students gain an understanding of the theories, evidence, and mechanisms of evolution.
|
guest lectures
Behavioral Ecology, Guest Lecturer “Skype with the author”, Lafayette College, Department of Biology
Biogeography, Guest Lecturer “Biogeography of endemic rainforest birds of the Malay Archipelago”, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Geography and Environmental Systems Department
Hormones and Behavior, Guest Lecturer “Stress and coping with environmental challenges”, Cornell University, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychology
Behavioral Ecology, Guest Lecturer “Field techniques in avian ecology”, Michigan State University, Department of Zoology
Biogeography, Guest Lecturer “Biogeography of endemic rainforest birds of the Malay Archipelago”, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Geography and Environmental Systems Department
Hormones and Behavior, Guest Lecturer “Stress and coping with environmental challenges”, Cornell University, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychology
Behavioral Ecology, Guest Lecturer “Field techniques in avian ecology”, Michigan State University, Department of Zoology
Copyright SA Kaiser 2012