My research focuses on two areas of inquiry: effective practices in biology education and community ecology, with a focus on ecosystem services, in urban-suburban landscapes. Undergraduate students are partners in the ecological component of my research program. Currently, I am working on two biology education research projects with collaborators. One research project investigates whether the incorporation of social justice issues affects students' learning about antibiotic resistance. This research is being conducted with students enrolled in a project-based introductory biology course that is focused on the biology of social issues. The lead on this project is PhD candidate Kyle Schutz, and we are currently on our second semester of data collection for this project. The second project is a continuation of the work I started as a Co-PI on an NSF IUSE grant called 'A Power of Place Learning Experience & Research Network to Support Community College Student Success and Civic Engagement.' This work with our research group, called Apple R Net, is focused on the development and dissemination of a place-based curriculum on the ecology of apple trees, which is formatted as a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) for first- and second- year biology courses. We are currently preparing manuscripts for publication based on the work we completed during the active grant. I am a faculty lead on a project called, 'Restoring Soil Health and Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists Through Sustainable Regenerative Approaches in Orchards,' and funded from the Kristina and William Catto Foundation, Inc. This research investigates the effect of land management and apple tree age on soil ecology, including microbial community composition. I trained and am supervising 4 undergraduate student researchers as a part of this work.
EBIO 1010 - Introduction to Statistics and Quantitative Thinking for Biologists
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Spring 2020
Focuses on the collection, visualization and analysis of data that are relevant for advancing critical thinking, student-directed learning, and the development of quantitative analysis skills, with an emphasis on using R and examples from ecology and evolutionary biology.
EBIO 1020 - Introduction to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Introduces students to EBIO. Provides an overview of the major and how it differs from other biology programs; how to get involved in clubs, research, and/or internship opportunities; strategies for succeeding in EBIO courses; and career options. This is a first-year colloquium course specifically designed for freshman and other students exploring their educational and career opportunities.
EBIO 1100 - Biology and Society
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Summer 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Lect. Studies the dynamic relationships between the biological sciences and society. Areas of inquiry include interconnections between ecological and evolutionary theory and concepts and emergent questions being raised on a societal level. Students will explore topics such as human populations and sexual reproduction; biological factors affecting sociability and social patterns; environmental change with a focus on global biodiversity and the services to people; natural resource management; and public health. Recommended for majors and non-majors.
EBIO 1210 - General Biology 1
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Spring 2024
Lect. Provides a concentrated introduction to molecular, cellular, genetic, and evolutionary biology. Emphasizes fundamental principles, concepts, facts, and questions. Intended for science majors.
EBIO 1220 - General Biology 2
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Provides a concentrated introduction to organisms, homeostasis, development, behavior, and ecology. Emphasizes fundamental principles, concepts, facts,and questions. Intended for science majors. Recommended prerequisite: EBIO 1210 (minimum grade C-).
EBIO 1250 - Introduction to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduces students to research in ecology and evolutionary biology topics in the context of investigations about Boulder�s local historic apple trees. Students will learn about the genetics, physiology, and urban ecology of the trees in the lecture and have the opportunity to research one of these topics more in depth in the laboratory courses. Results from the research on Boulder�s Apples will be reported back to the Boulder community by student researchers.
EBIO 2040 - Principles of Ecology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Lecture and laboratory. Introduces principles of ecology, emphasizing patterns and processes at various levels of biological organization. Scope global, but examples often from local environment. Laboratory emphasizes techniques of field biology. Uses animals and/or animal tissues. Recommended prerequisites: EBIO 1030 and EBIO 1040 and EBIO 1050 or EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1230 and EBIO 1240 (minimum grade C-). Same as EBIO 2640 and ENVS 2000.
EBIO 3400 - Microbiology
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023
Surveys distinguishing characteristics of microorganisms based on structural-functional relationships, taxonomy, growth and physical-chemical agents of control including antibiotics, metabolism and genetics. Introduces applied microbiology emphasizing infectious diseases, basic concepts of immunology and microbial ecology. Uses animals and/or animal tissues. Recommended prerequisites: EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1230 and EBIO 1240 (minimum grade C-).
