Teaching & Mentoring
Teaching Philosophy
My 10-year vision for teaching relates to preparing students to deal with the global, regional, and local issues associated with climate change. As I tell my students, climate change is an 'all hands on deck' problem, requiring efforts from essentially all disciplines. My approach combines evidence-based teaching methods including student-centered learning outcomes, backward and universal course design, and a fusion of guided instruction and active learning.
Evidence-Based Teaching Approach
Student-Centered Learning
Focus on clear learning outcomes and what students should know and be able to do
Universal Design
Multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to support all learners
Active Learning
In-class exercises, work-alongs, and scaffolded learning experiences
Empathy & Compassion
Understanding that learning is non-linear and supporting students through challenges
Courses Taught at Indiana University
| Course | Title | Term | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAS-G 690 | Advanced Earth Science Data Analysis | Fall 2025 | 11 |
| EAS-E 122 | Earth's Dynamic Atmosphere | Spring 2025 | 35 |
| EAS-E/A 474/574 | Current and Future Trends in Extreme Weather | Fall 2024 | 21 |
| EAS-E 122 | Earth's Dynamic Atmosphere | Spring 2024 | 29 |
| EAS-G 690 | Advanced Earth Science Data Analysis | Fall 2023 | 9 |
| EAS-E/A 434/534 | Dynamic Meteorology 2 | Spring 2023 | 8 |
| EAS-E/A 474/574 | Current and Future Trends in Extreme Weather | Fall 2022 | 25 |
| EAS-A 594 | Data Assimilation Techniques | Spring 2022 | 6 |
| EAS-E 122 | Earth's Dynamic Atmosphere | Spring 2022 | 32 |
| EAS-E 490 | Python for Environmental Sciences | Fall 2021 | 17 |
| EAS-E 122 | Earth's Dynamic Atmosphere (Online) | Spring 2021 | 45 |
| EAS-E/A 474/574 | Current and Future Trends in Extreme Weather | Fall 2020 | 17 |
| EAS-E 122 | Earth's Dynamic Atmosphere | Spring 2020 | 32 |
Key Course Descriptions
Earth's Dynamic Atmosphere (EAS-E 122)
Introductory course developing broad understanding of what causes clouds and rain, how weather systems develop, and climate science fundamentals. Students learn to explain weather phenomena and climate change to others. Can serve as standalone survey or first course for Atmospheric Science majors.
Current and Future Trends in Extreme Weather (EAS-A 477/577)
Course I developed focusing on the scientific understanding of anthropogenic climate change impacts on extreme weather. Covers detection, attribution, and projection methods using peer-reviewed studies and national reports. Graduate students also learn extreme value analysis techniques.
Advanced Earth Science Data Analysis (EAS-G 690)
Graduate course I created teaching Python programming and data analysis for environmental sciences. Focuses on rigorous, reproducible, high-quality programming supporting research. Students develop strong technical skills for modern scientific analysis.
Dynamic Meteorology 2 (EAS-A 434/534)
Advanced course on midlatitude weather systems dynamics. Covers potential vorticity, quasigeostrophic approximation, and wave behaviors in rotating fluids. Students learn to describe synoptic-scale weather physics qualitatively and quantitatively.
Curriculum Development
- Climate Change Science Minor: Co-developed successful proposal with Professors Cody Kirkpatrick and Brian Yanites
- Course Innovation: Revamped EAS-E 122 to incorporate active learning during lecture time, increasing enrollment
- New Course Creation: Developed "Current and Future Trends in Extreme Weather" and "Python for Environmental Sciences" courses
- Pandemic Adaptation: Successfully transitioned courses to online formats and back to in-person with enhanced active learning components
Student Success Focus
My teaching emphasizes empathy and compassion, helping students overcome challenges to achieve success. I regularly survey students for feedback and implement changes to improve learning experiences. Students consistently note my availability, enthusiasm, and commitment to their learning in course evaluations.