My perspective as an educator is that academic training should serve not only to develop a student’s technical knowledge and skills, but should also provide a solid foundation for life-long local and global citizenship as a science professional. My goal in any learning environment—classroom, laboratory, field, or research group—is to facilitate independence in the student as a learner and future professional. In formal courses and my advising activities, I expect each student to take an active role in her or his own learning process, and to contribute positively to a collaborative learning environment. Our outreach activities for public groups are designed to inspire curiosity and excitement about the environment and scientific discovery. Our service activities for professional groups help provide greater understanding about the potential ecological consequences of land management actions. 

Courses Taught

Courses instructed at University of Idaho (2024-present)
Fire Ecology | FIRE 326
The global study of wildfire as a biophysical and ecological process, including controls of wildfires, ecological effects of wildfires, fire history, and fire in the context of global environmental change. Evolutionary plant adaptations to fire and mechanistic impacts of fire on organisms. Current issues in fire science in the Western US and globally, including readings and discussions of recent scientific literature. 

Courses instructed at Michigan State University (2013-2024)
Scientific Communication & Professional Development | CSS 880 
Interactive professional experiences including grant pre-proposal preparation and presentation, scientific presentations, mock position interviews, and resume preparation.

Wildland Fire | FOR 412
​The objective of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental processes of wildland fire behavior, fire ecology, and fire management. This course also provides the required training for all personnel seeking to become Wildland Firefighters under National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification standards.

Introduction to Forest Ecology | FOR 404 & 404L
Introduction to Forest Ecology is a three-credit course (with one-credit lab) designed to introduce students to the range of ecological interactions that occur within forest ecosystems. The course will cover plant resources, species interactions, ecological succession, biodiversity, forest productivity, cycling of nutrients and carbon, forest ecosystem structure and function, non-native species, and forest responses to global environmental change.

Forestry Field Studies | FOR 420
Forestry Field Studies is a three-credit, field-based course open to juniors and seniors. This course is team-taught with other faculty from the Department of Forestry. The course enables students to integrate tree biology, silviculture, forest ecology, soil science, and forest mapping and inventory skills in a range of forest ecosystems across Michigan. Students develop a stand management plan for one of the forest ecosystems visited during the course.