PEOPLE DON’T ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAY OR EVEN WHAT YOU DO, BUT THEY ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MAKE THEM FEEL.
~ Maya Angelou
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy is to provide a holistic learning culture that fosters students’ technical as well as critical-thinking skills, enhances their personal and professional development, and prepares them for the real world and global competencies. These overarching goals are incorporated in a diverse manner in all of my classes and teaching efforts. My mentoring and advising is guided strongly by principles rooted in positive psychology and resilience principles.
TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
My portfolio showcases a variety of my teaching obligations. Take a look to get a sense of my experiences and approaches. To learn more about a specific project, feel free to contact me directly.
MICROBIOLOGY LABS FOR ALL SEASONS
Solutions for all situations
I am responsible for 1000 students enrolled in these courses during spring and fall, and ~270 students during the summer. I have overseen and influenced about 13,000 students in microbiology labs since I came to UF in 2010; due to the pandemic I have designed meaningful home and online lab experiences.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Teaching Assistants (GTAs and UTAs)
Undergraduate students can be teaching assistants (UTAs) for credit or they can volunteer. This is a highly sought after opportunity and includes participation in the classroom/online activities as well as other assignments related to teaching and the development of an ePortfolio. Our graduate students (GTAs) have to teach 4 sections of lab as part of their graduate appointment in the department.
GLOBAL LEARNING
Study Abroad and Global Curriculum
Using education to instill global citizenship and international understanding is essential to our role as educators at UF. "Globalization of the Gator Nation" has been my theme since I started teaching at UF in 2011 and includes a variety of classroom activities and study abroad experiences.
THE TEACHING TEAM
Without an amazing Teaching Team I could not provide the instructional inspiration I try to instill in students and TAs. Staff, TAs and I work together to provide a unique learning environment
THE PREPROOM STAFF
I oversee a full time staff person and several OPS employees that manage the microbiology prep room and prepare materials needed for the lab experiments.
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS (GTAS)
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UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS (UTAS)
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"I NEVER TEACH MY PUPILS, I ONLY ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THEY CAN LEARN,"
Albert Einstein