Teaching and Mentoring
Fall 2020 - Principles in Precision Medicine (GGSC330): Courses in Undergraduate Research Experience (C.U.R.E.)
Co-instructor, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This research-based course guides students through analyzing a genetic test report to hypothesize impacts of a patient's unique genetic variant. Using bioinformatics and artificial intelligence tools, students develop hypotheses regarding disease mechanisms and strategize therapeutic options to treat patients. Students work on teams to analyze genetic data, present their findings to the class, and write up research reports that will be used to strategize treatment options.
Responsibilities:
Spring 2018-2020 - Research Approaches: Molecular Genetics (STH201): Courses in Undergraduate Research Experience (C.U.R.E.), Adjunct Professor, Science and Technology Honors Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This laboratory-based course introduced students to the world of molecular biology research by targeting genes associated with rare-human genetic disorders using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Each student completed bioinformatic and laboratory experimentation to construct CRISPR guide RNA to target a specific gene hypothesized to be involved in early developmental processes in zebrafish. In addition to teaching, I mentored 5 undergraduate assistants in lecture preparation, designing engaging classroom activities and student assessment.
Check out the syllabus here
Fall 2018 - Model Systems of Genetic Disorders (GGS490), Adjunct Professor
Genetics & Genomics Undergraduate Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This 3-credit course explored genetic components of human diseases and disorders, with a focus on animal models of human disease. Through reading and reviewing scientific literature, this course examined the usage of organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Danio rerio and Drosophilia melanogaster to understand gene function as it relates to genetic disorders. Topics covered included: neuromuscular disease, developmental defects, cancer and stem cell biology as well as cutting-edge research approaches in genetics and genomics. As the sole professor in the classroom I was responsible for all aspects of the course, with my major responsibilities outline below.
Check out the syllabus here, student evaluation of my teaching here, and faculty review/evaluation of my teaching here.
Responsibilities:
Spring 2018- Advanced Cell Biology (BI402), Adjunct Professor
Biology Department, Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL
This 3-credit course covered aspects of cellular biology at an advanced level for biology majors at Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL. I restructured and developed the lecture portion of the course in Spring 2018 and focused on topics including: genetics, development, immunology, cancer and stem cell biology with an emphasis on research using peer-reviewed journal articles. As the sole professor in the classroom, I was responsible for all aspects of the course, with my major responsibilities outline below.
Responsibilities:
2012-2016 - Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology (z34x series), Laboratory Instructor/Teaching Assistant
Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
This 3-course series (3 credit/section) covered topics in human anatomy and physiology at an advanced level for biology majors at Oregon State University. I taught all three sections (~ 24 students/section) in succession over 3 quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) from 2012 until 2016, during my PhD, with some gaps in teaching to focus on research. As the sole instructor in the classroom, I was responsible for all aspects of the course, with my major responsibilities outline below. During my time as a laboratory instructor, I mentored 6 undergraduates in lecture preparation, development of engaging activities, and student teaching.
Responsibilities:
Fall 2011 - Introduction to Biological Sciences Laboratory (z21x series), Teaching assistant
Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
This introductory biology course, taught over 3 quarters, is required for most majors and covers at a basic level most biological topics (plant ecology to genetics). As a teaching assistant, I team taught a class of ~48 students with another teaching assistant in the Fall of 2011 at Oregon State University. In addition to teaching, teaching assistants met weekly with a certified scientific educator to receive additional teacher training. My major responsibilities as a laboratory teaching assistant are outlined below.
Responsibilities:
Spring 2011 - Coral Reef Ecology & Independent Research in Marine Biology and Ecology, Teaching Assistant
Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE), Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
During the winter of 2010 worked as a teaching assistant for the Council International Education Exchange (CIEE) study abroad program in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. This study abroad course was taught to junior and senior level Biology majors (12 students) from different United States universities. I assisted the professor with all aspects of the course, my major responsibilities are listed below.
Responsibilities:
Spring 2011 - Scientific Diving & Marine Ecology Field Research Methods: Dive master & Teaching Assistant
Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE), Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
During the spring of 2011 I worked as a teaching assistant for the Council International Education Exchange (CIEE) study abroad program in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. This advanced study abroad course was taught after the completion of Coral Reef Ecology course to junior and senior level Biology majors (12 students) from different United States Universities. As a PADI certified Dive Master I assisted the professor with all aspects of the course, including teaching safe diving practices and using SCUBA in field research, my major responsibilities are listed below.
Responsibilities:
Co-instructor, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This research-based course guides students through analyzing a genetic test report to hypothesize impacts of a patient's unique genetic variant. Using bioinformatics and artificial intelligence tools, students develop hypotheses regarding disease mechanisms and strategize therapeutic options to treat patients. Students work on teams to analyze genetic data, present their findings to the class, and write up research reports that will be used to strategize treatment options.
Responsibilities:
- Develop content and present lectures on fundamentals of cellular signaling, functional studies in research, model organisms development and benefits, and science communication.
- Create assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Organize and design course content in Canvas.
Spring 2018-2020 - Research Approaches: Molecular Genetics (STH201): Courses in Undergraduate Research Experience (C.U.R.E.), Adjunct Professor, Science and Technology Honors Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This laboratory-based course introduced students to the world of molecular biology research by targeting genes associated with rare-human genetic disorders using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Each student completed bioinformatic and laboratory experimentation to construct CRISPR guide RNA to target a specific gene hypothesized to be involved in early developmental processes in zebrafish. In addition to teaching, I mentored 5 undergraduate assistants in lecture preparation, designing engaging classroom activities and student assessment.
Check out the syllabus here
Fall 2018 - Model Systems of Genetic Disorders (GGS490), Adjunct Professor
Genetics & Genomics Undergraduate Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This 3-credit course explored genetic components of human diseases and disorders, with a focus on animal models of human disease. Through reading and reviewing scientific literature, this course examined the usage of organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Danio rerio and Drosophilia melanogaster to understand gene function as it relates to genetic disorders. Topics covered included: neuromuscular disease, developmental defects, cancer and stem cell biology as well as cutting-edge research approaches in genetics and genomics. As the sole professor in the classroom I was responsible for all aspects of the course, with my major responsibilities outline below.
Check out the syllabus here, student evaluation of my teaching here, and faculty review/evaluation of my teaching here.
Responsibilities:
- Course development (syllabus, Canvas online organization and assignments, peer-reviewed article journal clubs, written assignments and presentations)
- Prepare and present lecture material on all topics (50 min) lectures, 3 days/week
- Create and set up in-class active learning activities and develop in-class assignments
- Design exams utilizing cell signaling pathways and critical thinking essay-style questions
- Grade all assignments and hold office hours
Spring 2018- Advanced Cell Biology (BI402), Adjunct Professor
Biology Department, Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL
This 3-credit course covered aspects of cellular biology at an advanced level for biology majors at Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL. I restructured and developed the lecture portion of the course in Spring 2018 and focused on topics including: genetics, development, immunology, cancer and stem cell biology with an emphasis on research using peer-reviewed journal articles. As the sole professor in the classroom, I was responsible for all aspects of the course, with my major responsibilities outline below.
Responsibilities:
- Course development (syllabus, online content using Moodle, exams, & projects)
- Prepared and presented lecture material on all topics (~60 min lectures)
- Created and set up in-class active learning activities and developed engaging in-class assignments
- Designed exams utilizing Bloom's taxonomical hierarchy of multiple leveled questions and critical thinking
- Graded all assignments and held office hours
2012-2016 - Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology (z34x series), Laboratory Instructor/Teaching Assistant
Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
This 3-course series (3 credit/section) covered topics in human anatomy and physiology at an advanced level for biology majors at Oregon State University. I taught all three sections (~ 24 students/section) in succession over 3 quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) from 2012 until 2016, during my PhD, with some gaps in teaching to focus on research. As the sole instructor in the classroom, I was responsible for all aspects of the course, with my major responsibilities outline below. During my time as a laboratory instructor, I mentored 6 undergraduates in lecture preparation, development of engaging activities, and student teaching.
Responsibilities:
- Prepared and presented lecture material on all topics (~45 min) introduction lectures
- Identified structures and created in-lab activities using human cadavers, sheep, and cow
- Developed engaging in-lab assignments with an emphasis on critical thinking
- Designed in-lab practical exams utilizing human cadavers, microscope slides, and models
- Graded all assignments and held office hours
Fall 2011 - Introduction to Biological Sciences Laboratory (z21x series), Teaching assistant
Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
This introductory biology course, taught over 3 quarters, is required for most majors and covers at a basic level most biological topics (plant ecology to genetics). As a teaching assistant, I team taught a class of ~48 students with another teaching assistant in the Fall of 2011 at Oregon State University. In addition to teaching, teaching assistants met weekly with a certified scientific educator to receive additional teacher training. My major responsibilities as a laboratory teaching assistant are outlined below.
Responsibilities:
- Prepared and presented lecture material on all topics as introductory lectures (~15 min)
- Designed and graded weekly quizzes
- Facilitated in-lab activities and developed in-lab assignments
- Graded all assignments and held office hours
Spring 2011 - Coral Reef Ecology & Independent Research in Marine Biology and Ecology, Teaching Assistant
Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE), Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
During the winter of 2010 worked as a teaching assistant for the Council International Education Exchange (CIEE) study abroad program in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. This study abroad course was taught to junior and senior level Biology majors (12 students) from different United States universities. I assisted the professor with all aspects of the course, my major responsibilities are listed below.
Responsibilities:
- Taught lectures, graded all assignments, and held office hours
- Held outside of class study sessions to review material
- Mentored students in the development and implementation of independent research projects
- Engineered, fixed, and checked out all necessary field equipment
Spring 2011 - Scientific Diving & Marine Ecology Field Research Methods: Dive master & Teaching Assistant
Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE), Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
During the spring of 2011 I worked as a teaching assistant for the Council International Education Exchange (CIEE) study abroad program in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. This advanced study abroad course was taught after the completion of Coral Reef Ecology course to junior and senior level Biology majors (12 students) from different United States Universities. As a PADI certified Dive Master I assisted the professor with all aspects of the course, including teaching safe diving practices and using SCUBA in field research, my major responsibilities are listed below.
Responsibilities:
- Taught led and evaluated diving procedures associated with open-water, advanced, and rescue PADI diving courses
- Demonstrated, explained, and critiqued research methods using SCUBA
- Maintained, cleaned, and fixed all diving related equipment
- Graded all assignments
