I am passionate about ecology and conservation, and I aim to share this enthusiasm through question-driven, student-guided teaching and flexible, transparent mentorship. My philosophy centers on meeting students where they are, fostering curiosity through experiential learning, and helping them build skills to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and synthesize knowledge. I adapt my guidance to the diverse backgrounds, needs, and career goals of my students and mentees, creating inclusive, supportive environments that encourage independence, discovery, and a sense of camaraderie in both the classroom and the field.
Teaching background and approach
As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Wyoming, I delivered lectures, supervised laboratory projects, and provided feedback on assignments for more than 20 students. The virtual classroom format during the COVID-19 pandemic posed both challenges and opportunities. I sought to meet students where they were at, identify their individual learning goals, and engage with them not just as a TA, but also as a friendly face in an uncertain and socially difficult time. Given my own undergraduate experiences and the value of one-on-one discussions, I made extra time in my schedule for office hours to ensure that all students were getting the necessary level of support and type of instruction. My students have noted that I explain complex topics clearly, provide helpful feedback on assignments, and am approachable and enjoyable to meet with.
In addition to regular classroom instruction, I’ve also contributed to courses as a guest lecturer, delivering instruction on Bayesian statistics at the graduate level.
Mentoring philosophy
I believe flexible, adaptive mentorship is key to student success and essential for recruiting and retaining individuals from diverse backgrounds. I have mentored individuals at many career stages, from undergraduates seeking their first field experience, to advanced graduate students. Each mentee has required different forms of support, and I work to recognize these needs and adjust my mentorship approach accordingly. Regardless of career stage, I aim to support independence and creativity, while also promoting inclusiveness and camaraderie. My mentorship philosophy emphasizes team science, where students are treated as colleagues and collaborators. Above all, I prioritize student welfare and work to ensure each student gains the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen career.
Outreach and engagement
I enjoy organizing and contributing to a wide range of public outreach and science communication activities. These efforts not only broaden the impact of my research but also provide students and mentees with meaningful learning experiences that enrich their work and expand their career opportunities. For all outreach efforts, I work with my technicians and mentees to develop workshop materials, challenging them to translate what they learned in the field to impactful demonstrations and activities. I’ve found that providing mentees with outreach and science communication opportunities can enhance their experience in field biology and highlight adjacent career paths.
