My Services To My Students:
As an educator, I am over the moon to share my journey with all of you! Each step has been a vibrant brushstroke on the canvas of my life, painted with the colors of curiosity, creativity, and a sprinkle (or more) of chaos. My passion for the human body and the medical field adds an exciting dimension to my teaching, as I delve into the intricacies of anatomy and physiology with the same enthusiasm I bring to all subjects. I thrive on the joy of helping others discover their own potential, fostering an environment where learning feels like an adventure rather than a chore. It’s this passion for empowerment and connection that fuels my every interaction, as I believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about igniting the spark within each student. Join me as we navigate this exhilarating path together, where every lesson is a new opportunity for growth, every challenge is just a quirky plot twist in my story, and the wonders of the human body serve as a backdrop for our collective exploration.
ICC 205 Lecture
My passion for anatomy and physiology ignites every lesson I teach to my pre-health students, many of whom are often struggling single moms, individuals returning to the workforce, or those from underserved areas. I find immense joy in unraveling the complexities of the human body, making intricate concepts accessible and engaging. Guiding these determined individuals through this fascinating subject not only empowers them with essential knowledge but also inspires them to embrace the science (and art) of healthcare. Witnessing their growth and resilience as they connect theory to practice is incredibly rewarding. Together, we explore the wonders of the human body, preparing the next generation of compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals, and proving that with dedication, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. I am truly blessed to be BIOL 205’s Lead Instructor.
ICC 140 Lecture + Lab
Taking on the role of temporary lead instructor for BIOL 140 during the summer semester of 2022 was a transformative experience that significantly shaped my growth as an educator. This opportunity challenged me to refine my planning skills, adapt to the dynamic needs of my students, and embrace a leadership role within the classroom. Navigating the complexities of course delivery and fostering an engaging learning environment allowed me to develop not only my teaching strategies but also my confidence in guiding others. I emerged from this experience with a deeper understanding of my capabilities and a renewed passion for inspiring students to explore the wonders of biology. It is a totally different level of anatomy and physiology compared to BIOL 205, and it is so refreshing to teach both levels.
ICC 206 Lecture + Lab
Falling in love with body systems in Biology 206 has been an exhilarating journey, deepening my appreciation with each semester. While my admiration for the molecular and cellular features explored in Biology 205 remains strong, the complexities of how our bodies move during physical activity have captured my heart. Understanding the role of physics in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems has opened my eyes to the remarkable mechanics behind breath and circulation. Additionally, delving into the chemistry and pharmacology of the urinary system has further enriched my knowledge of how these processes work together to maintain homeostasis. Each layer of this exploration reveals the elegant interplay of systems that sustain life, fueling my passion for the biological sciences. No Kim Vietti I won’t steal 206 from you ;)
ICC Lab 205
In the dynamic world of the laboratory, collaboration is the heartbeat of our success. Their unwavering dedication and diverse skill sets create an environment where innovation flourishes and problems are tackled with creativity and teamwork. Without their contributions, our intricate daily operations would stumble, and our collective achievements would be far less impactful. I am grateful to be part of such a talented team, where every member plays a vital role in ensuring our lab runs smoothly and efficiently.
Special thanks to Kim Vietti, Jennifer Sloan, Jen Fenner, and Beth Mays for all their help.
ICC 160 Lab
One of the most exciting new challenges I’m embracing at work is teaching Biology 160 for majors. I love the experience of balancing this dynamic course, where I not only teach but also demonstrate and guide students through their first real steps into scientific research. It’s amazing to see them dive into experiments for the first time, exploring foundational topics like the chemistry of life, origin of cells, molecular motion, and enzymes. We also cover essential processes like cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell signaling, and delve into more advanced concepts such as DNA synthesis, chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and genetics. Watching students engage with these concepts and seeing their curiosity grow is a truly rewarding experience! The class does have a soft spot in my heart since we do biochemistry related experiments on occasion :)
ICC 111 Lab
I’ve had the opportunity to occasionally help with BIOL 111, where I’ve taught lab courses for a few semesters and stepped in as a substitute teacher as needed. It's been a joy to guide students through a wide range of laboratory exercises that bring biology to life. From introducing the scientific method and the chemistry of biological macromolecules to exploring microscopy, cell structure, and cell transport through diffusion, osmosis, and gel electrophoresis—each lab offers a hands-on dive into biology.
We also delve into exciting topics like the central dogma of biology, DNA extraction and PCR for Per3 gene analysis (morning lark vs. night owl), mitosis, meiosis, and genetics. Other memorable labs include discussions on development, reproductive health, evolution, and the fascinating journey of primate evolution and the geologic timescale in North America. Teaching these labs always fills me with excitement as I see students connect theory to practice!
Out of Office Hour Tutoring
Tutoring students outside of office hours (without financial compensation but with rewarding emotional compensation) is something I’m more than willing to do and do it often. Because I genuinely care about their success. It’s not just about the extra time spent—it’s about being there when a student needs that extra bit of support to truly grasp a concept, feel more confident, or overcome a challenge. Organizing my time to fit in these sessions means giving students the space to ask questions, revisit tough material, or just feel reassured that someone believes in them. I’m invested in their journey, and watching them grow, knowing I played a part in that, fills me with immense pride. Their success isn’t just academic to me—it’s personal.
Methodist College
I am thrilled to have served as an adjunct professor at Methodist College, where I had the opportunity to immerse students through hands-on experience with different lab software, textbooks, lab manuals, learning objectives, and technology such as nursing patient models and Anatomage tables. This innovative technology not only enhances our understanding of anatomy but also prepares students for real-world clinical scenarios. Guiding future nurses in utilizing these resources has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows them to visualize and interact with the human body in a way that fosters deep learning. Not only did my eyes light up when using this equipment, but my student’s eyes gleamed. Together, we explore the intricacies of patient care, empowering students to build the skills and confidence they need to excel in their nursing careers. I hope to bring this knowledge of technology to ICC one day by applying for a grant for such tech.
Lincoln College
My time as an adjunct professor at Lincoln College holds a special place in my heart. They took a chance on me, believing in my potential when I was just starting my journey in education. It was there that I not only learned how to teach but also how to effectively manage a lab, turning challenges into valuable lessons for both myself and my students. The support and camaraderie of the faculty and students made each day a joy, and I will forever be grateful for the growth I experienced in that nurturing environment. It saddens me deeply to see Lincoln College close its doors due to financial challenges, but the memories and lessons I gained will remain with me always. I cherish the impact we made together and will carry that legacy forward in my future endeavors.