Teaching Experience
Training
Innovative Teaching Summer Institute (ITSI)
June 2019
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Columbia University
The Innovative Teaching Summer Institute is an intensive four-day series of workshops and discussions for graduate student instructors to learn emerging teaching practices and technologies for effective teaching. Participants from a variety of disciplines "discuss pedagogical priorities, connect with resources and support, and develop themselves as innovative teachers." Throughout the series, students develop an assignment, implementing these new techniques.
Classes
Forest Ecology
Fall 2018, Teaching Assistant
Professor: Matthew Palmer, Ph.D.
The course focused on identifying, interpreting, and understanding patterns and processes common in forested ecosystems. The complex interactions between abiotic and biotic factors in forests were examined via lecture, literature discussion, weekly field trips, and analysis and interpretation of student-collected data.
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Created assignment to teach dendroclimatology and the effect of climate on forest growth
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Developed and led a workshop to aid students with data analysis and interpretation in Excel
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Taught students field data collection and management during weekly field trips to Tri-State Area forests
Fundamentals of Ecology
Spring 2018, Teaching Assistant
Professors: Duncan Menge, Ph.D. & Maria Duik-Wasser, Ph.D.
Taught foundational topics, developments, and history of several branches of ecology, including population, community, and ecosystems ecology. Discussion-based course of the primary literature with 16 students. Required course for first year Ph.D. students and M.A. students on academic track.
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Led seven class discussions; facilitated, graded, and provided feedback on student-led discussions
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Graded all assignments (6) and half of midterm and final exams
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Led review sessions for midterm and final exams
Photo Credit: Ellery Vaughan, CC '19
Introduction to Statistics in Ecology & Evolution
Fall 2017, Teaching Assistant
Professor: Indrani Pal, Ph.D.
An introduction to the theoretical principles and practical application of statistical methods in ecology and evolutionary biology. Lectures provided conceptual basis for a variety of statistical techniques which were implemented in computer-based lab sessions. Course taught ~60 students, with two Teaching Assistants.
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Taught application of statistical technique using R Statistical Software during lab sessions
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Graded one-third of all assignments (8) and the final exam
Photo Credit: Ellery Vaughan, CC '19
Student Connor Moore, CC 19', measures the diameter at breast height (DBH) of an oak. DBH is a common tree size metric in ecology and forestry.
Students use a Munsell Soil Color Chart to document the color and texture of forest soils. Soil texture and color can provide insight into soil fertility and history.
Aria Pereira watches with fellow students as a tree core is removed from a tree trunk. Tree cores are used to examine a tree's annual growth ring. They are minimally harmful to the tree and can be used to reconstruct historical climate.
Photo Credit: Ellery Vaughan, CC '19