TEACHING

I consider teaching an integral and enjoyable part of my work as a professor. I firmly believe that students should be actively involved in the learning process. This approach involves developing research skills through field experiences and guided research projects as part of coursework. Indeed, it is often easier to visualize complex geological problems by seeing the actual rocks themselves, whether it be under a microscope or in the field, than trying to understand often abstract ideas in a book or on a computer screen. I believe that enthusiasm for subject matter is as important as the subject matter itself in facilitating student learning. I have taught a variety of courses since starting at Western in 2007, including Earth Sciences 1086, 2232, and 2250. Because of a reduced teaching load, the regular courses that I now teach are the combined course Earth Sciences 4001/Planetary Science 9605 and Planetary Science 9604.