Service learning and outreach & engaged scholarship (all related terms that often refer to the connection of teaching/learning/research with "real world" issues and community groups) are very important to me and I work to integrate my current research into classroom settings if this is appropriate for the course objectives and goals and fits within the allocated time frame. As a graduate student, I collaboratively taught a course on outreach scholarship in Natural Resources called "How to Change the World." A freshmen Discovery Course at the University of New Hampshire, students were asked to work in groups to partner with a local environmental organization to address a mutually interesting area of exploration. The success of this course has motivated me to pursue similar strategies in my future teaching endeavors.
In each of my teaching experiences I have been able to successfully weave the subject of my graduate research into the course materials in at least one class period. Additionally, I have involved both undergraduate and graduate students in my research projects. As a researcher and educator, this synergy is particularly rewarding for me.
The University of New Hampshire is a land- sea- and space-grant university and has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a community engaged institution. Please click here to learn more about engagement and outreach at UNH
Some Examples of Press Related to my Research: