TEACHING at DARTMOUTH

I teach courses in Dartmouth's Environmental Studies Department related to my expertise in ecology and interdisciplinary polar studies. I have designed and taught two project-based seminars called Science and Policy and Rapid Environmental Change (ENVS80.1/BIOL148) and Arctic Environmental Change (ENVS80.1/BIOL148). In addition, I have co-taught a larger lecture-based course called Environmental Issues of the Earth's Cold Regions (ENVS15). Descriptions of each course are below.

Training the next generation of scientists and building scientific literacy among all students requires innovative classroom strategies and opportunities for practical skill development. When appropriate, I use diverse strategies for teaching including lecturing, flipping the classroom, discussions, and hands-on activities. Students in my classes can also expect to develop skills such as written or verbal communication of complex scientific ideas.

ENVS80.1/BIOL148 Science and Policy of Rapid Environmental Change

Human-induced changes in Earth’s physical and biological systems are threatening the structure and functioning of coupled human-natural ecosystems. Scientists and engineers are tasked with understanding and then communicating the causes and consequences of these environmental changes with those in the position of crafting management recommendations and policy. This project-based course is organized around the theme of communication, a key component of the scientific and policy process. We will review the science of contemporary environmental issues related to climate change and resource development (glaciology, ecology, etc.), learn about the merging of scientific knowledge with traditional ecological knowledge, and how this knowledge is utilized in the policy process. In addition to learning content, students can expect to improve their written and verbal communication skills by writing Op-Eds and producing a short video.

ENVS15 From Pole to Pole: Environmental Issues of the Earth's Cold Regions

The Earth’s high northern and southern latitudes share an extreme climate, but are vastly different in their histories, ecological systems and human cultures. Polar regions are increasingly under threat from climate change, resource extraction, and the loss of indigenous cultures. This course examines the major physical, ecological and human systems of high latitudes, including the circumpolar northern Arctic regions and the continent of Antarctica. Using an interdisciplinary perspective the course examines the science of polar regions and applies this information to understand the human dimensions of major environmental issues facing cold regions. The connections of the polar regions to global processes and international issues (climate change, biodiversity, cultural preservation) will be emphasized.

ENVS80.1/BIOL148 Arctic Environmental Change

This courses focuses on the Arctic, where climate change and resource development are co-occurring and at a rapid pace. In the Arctic, both western science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) inform understanding of changes in ecosystems and inform the policies for managing the natural resources important for subsistence. In this course we will examine the connections between science and the human dimensions of Arctic environmental change. Environmental responses to climate change and resource development will be introduced from a scientific perspective. In addition, we will explore how this science is framed in policy documents such as reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The course will emphasize the importance of science communication and will culminate with a collaborative project that integrates climate change, resource development, and social issues.