Teaching Experience
Lee M. Thurston High School
2005-2019 (currently on personal leave to write Science Curriculum for BSCS)
I came to Thurston after graduating from U of M. I teach (or have taught) Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Forensic Science, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. I also occasionally mentor independent study students. Independent study students choose a specific research project, or they choose to study and learn the basics of a more specific branch of biology. We have an incredible science department, and I love the teachers here as well as the students.
I came to Thurston after graduating from U of M. I teach (or have taught) Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Forensic Science, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. I also occasionally mentor independent study students. Independent study students choose a specific research project, or they choose to study and learn the basics of a more specific branch of biology. We have an incredible science department, and I love the teachers here as well as the students.
Macomb Community College
2011-present
I currently teach Environmental Science (Biology 1310). This is such a awesome class to teach because it may be the only science class that student will ever take and I get a chance to make them lifelong science and environmental enthusiasts. The course is built on a project-based learning model. Students get a chance to explore local ecosystems, and they get opportunities to do some citizen science as well. I've also taught General Biology (Biology 1000), and Fundamentals of Nutrition (Biology 1400) at both Center and South Campus (and have taught several sections of Fundamentals of Nutrition online).
I currently teach Environmental Science (Biology 1310). This is such a awesome class to teach because it may be the only science class that student will ever take and I get a chance to make them lifelong science and environmental enthusiasts. The course is built on a project-based learning model. Students get a chance to explore local ecosystems, and they get opportunities to do some citizen science as well. I've also taught General Biology (Biology 1000), and Fundamentals of Nutrition (Biology 1400) at both Center and South Campus (and have taught several sections of Fundamentals of Nutrition online).
Mott Community College
2019-present
I teach Human Biology (Biology 150), at Southern Lakes Branch Campus of Mott Community College. This is a really fun class to teach and another great opportunity to get non-biology major students interested in science. I'm especially excited to help students learn how to think about structure and function as well as the connections between systems in the human body. My goal is for students to leave my class as critical consumers of health related information which will allow them to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families.
I teach Human Biology (Biology 150), at Southern Lakes Branch Campus of Mott Community College. This is a really fun class to teach and another great opportunity to get non-biology major students interested in science. I'm especially excited to help students learn how to think about structure and function as well as the connections between systems in the human body. My goal is for students to leave my class as critical consumers of health related information which will allow them to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families.
Michigan State University
2001-2004
While at Michigan State I worked as a TA (teaching assistant) for two years. I taught the undergraduate Entomology lab and ISB (Integrated Sciences - Biology) lab which is a Biology class designed for non-science majors. While I loved studying entomology, I was lucky enough to be assigned as a TA in the Center for Integrative Studies in Science and got my first taste of problem-based learning. This experience made me realize that teaching was really what I enjoyed doing most.
While at Michigan State I worked as a TA (teaching assistant) for two years. I taught the undergraduate Entomology lab and ISB (Integrated Sciences - Biology) lab which is a Biology class designed for non-science majors. While I loved studying entomology, I was lucky enough to be assigned as a TA in the Center for Integrative Studies in Science and got my first taste of problem-based learning. This experience made me realize that teaching was really what I enjoyed doing most.
Extracurricular Activities
SAGA
Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club. A positive community that strives to improve school climate through activities that promote tolerance and awareness. This group is entirely student led, and meets twice a month during Advisory in my room. Each year this club has a slightly different focus depending on the composition of the group, but is ALWAYS a fun and welcoming place for all.
National Honor Society
THS National Honor Society meets monthly (second Thursday of each month) and participates in activities that promote student growth in four main areas: Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Service. NHS organizes the Mr Thurston pageant each year to raise money for Make a Wish Foundation and supports the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society by coordinating advisory classrooms to compete in the "Pasta for Pennies" fundraiser.