Colorado State University

My current research is directed at the development of a Learning Outcomes Assessment Instrument for a single semester biochemistry course. Outcome assessments are an educational instrument designed to assess whether a student has an accurate understanding/working knowledge of a set of defined and specific concepts within an academic discipline. Instruments like these are currently being used in biology, physics, and chemistry to evaluate the effectiveness of new teaching methodologies within these disciplines. The purpose of the current research is to develop such a tool to:

1. Measure learning gains of students in a single semester biochemistry course. 2. Evaluate whether new and innovative teaching strategies can increase learning gains for students in a single semester biochemistry course.

In addition to this work, I spend a great deal of time in the classroom, where my true passion lies in helping students navigate the complex field of biochemistry. 

My teaching Philosophy consists of four primary elements:

1. Education is an endeavor in which instructors should be teaching, and students should be learning, something good, something beautiful, and something true. 
2. My students need to see me as a human being and to connect with me as a person. The foundation of a good learning environment is one in which the learner trusts the one instructing them.
3. My students come from diverse educational, cultural, and personal backgrounds. The truth of this cannot, however, change the fact that each student will be placed under the same set of expectations. Learning objectives cannot, and should not, be tailored to each individual student. Given this I attempt to provide a multiplicity of resources for the multiplicity of learning styles, preferences, and educational backgrounds found in my students. I want something good, something beautiful, and something true to be accessible to all students while not lowering the standards of education.
4. Myself and my students must be challenged. Students need an environment that exposes previously held misconceptions and encourages them to think and the freedom and forum to ask questions and seek for answers. Additionally, I must challenge myself and rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of my pedagogy. When deficiencies are found, adjustment must be made.