Teaching

I teach several courses at Virginia Tech:

(1) Plants and Civilization– BIOL 1064 (Pathways)

Pawpaw

Plants have been an integral part of human history.  Beginning with basic plant biology, this course explores the links between plants and humans, and the critical roles that plants play in our lives.  We explore the major groups of plants that provide food, drugs, textiles and other products, and touch on issues of biodiversity loss, climate change, nutrition and addiction.

Textbook: None
Next taught: Fall 2020

(2) EEB Senior Seminar– BIOL 4594

This is a senior-level course centered around the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior seminar series that brings approximately 12 biologists from around the nation to Virginia Tech to give research seminars.  The seminars serve as a stimulus for reviewing and synthesizing the broad range of information that has been accumulated over the course of completing the undergraduate biology curriculum.

Textbook: None
Next taught: Fall 2020
Sample syllabus

(3) Work/Life Balance in Academia– BIOL 5174

This is a discussion-based graduate seminar addressing the challenges we face as academics trying to maintain balance between our professional and personal lives. The focus is on developing a tool box of strategies that can help provide concrete solutions and options for addressing some of these challenges

Textbook: None
Next taught: Maybe Spring 2021
Sample syllabus

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