Courses
Mammalogy
This 3-credit course (BIOL 4034) is a hands-on introduction to the evolution, ecology, biodiversity, and natural history of mammals. The majority of the lab is specimen focused, bringing in the amazing diversity of mammal form and function we can see in the Sam Noble Natural History Museum, but there are also hands-on activities related to mammal trapping and squirrel behavior. Taught in Fall of even-numbered years.
Field Mammalogy
This two-week, 3-credit course is an intensive introduction to how we study mammals in field settings taught at the OU Biological Field Station. Course topics include the most common trapping and tagging techniques, methods for studying mammal behavior, and approaches for quantifying mammal populations and biodiversity.
Evolution
I teaching this 3-credit sophomore-level class in the Fall of even-numbered years. The course content focuses on helping biology majors understand the foundational principles of evolutionary thinking, and how this theory ties together all of biology.
Biodiversity education and outreach
Squirrel-Net
I am part of a collaborative network (https://www.squirrel-net.org) that seeks to implement student-centered modules in behavioral ecology in the classroom, in order to give students the opportunity to participate in hands-on research as part of their school experience. Our modules uses the squirrel family as focal organisms, because of their accessibility for many students on or near college campuses and their high degree of visibility.
