UPCOMING TERM (SUMMER 2014)
Physics, Chemistry, and the Human Experience
General Education Science (GSci) 101: James Madison University
Science matters! And science doesn't have to be scary. This course examines topics in physics, chemistry, and astronomy and will give you the tool-kit you need to understand how these things affect your life. We will study science and the scientists behind it, how science works, and how it relates to civilization. Examples from history and pop culture will often be brought into class. I teach both traditional and blended (part online, part face-to-face) sections of this course.

PAST SEMESTERS
Physical Geology Lab
Geology 110L: James Madison University
This course presents a systematic study of earth materials including the internal and external processes that affect earth structure and landforms. Topics include the genesis/properties of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and the agents of change that drive surface processes and land-form development.

Writing and Communication in the Geosciences
Geology 291: James Madison University
This course prepares students for independent research by providing them fundamental skills in literature searches, writing, critical reading, and communication in the geosciences. Topics in the class will mirror faculty research, seminar topics, and student interests.

Geophysics and Geochemistry of Hawaii from Top to Bottom
Geology 398, Special Topics: James Madison University
How did the Hawaiian Islands form in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? What can they tell us about the Earth? Why are there volcanic eruptions (past and present) on these islands? This course addresses these questions using geophysical and geochemical data, and is designed for intermediate to upper-level physical science majors.

Geophysics
Geology 440: James Madison University
Geology 440 focuses on the theory and observations of geophysical processes and the implications they have for our understanding of Earth structure, geodynamics, and tectonic processes.  Descriptions of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core will be developed through studies of a variety of geophysical techniques.  Links between earth science, physics, and mathematics will be used to describe and understand geophysical processes from both deep-Earth and near-surface perspectives. The broad goal of this course is to provide a geophysical capstone for geology students and jumping-off point for students interested in continuing further into geophysics. 

Field Geophysics
Geology 442: James Madison University
This course focuses on collection of geophysical data in the field and interpretation/analysis afterwards. It is designed for archaeology and geology students and has no pre-requisites. The primary goal is for students to get hands-on experience with geophysical equipment and to obtain an understanding of how and where these tools can be applied. Topics may include Ground Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity, Magnetism, Seismic Refraction, and Total Station Data.

Scientific Perspectives: Geology and Cinema
General Education Science (GSci) 104: James Madison University
This is a 1-credit laboratory course that uses Hollywood to inspire Physical Geology labs. Each class section will begin with film clips from movies, TV shows, or a television mini-series. The labs that follow will focus on "how it works," "where it comes from," "why it matters," and "what Hollywood got wrong." Topics include rocks, minerals, and their uses in society, geologic time, and natural disasters and geologic hazards.

Geodynamics I: The Solid Earth
Geology 2201: University of Minnesota
(Teaching Assistant). The goal of this course is to give students their first steps in geology as a Geology and Geophysics Major. We will cover basics about Earth properties and dimensions that can be applied in a lab to understand Earth's fundamental dynamic processes. Concepts covered in this class will provide a framework to build upon in subsequent geology courses.

Exploring the Solar System
Geology 102: Macalester College
(Guest Lecturer and Laboratory Co-Instructor). This course is an introduction to the composition and character of the planets, the evolution of the solar system, and the methods used in studying the solar system. Readings and discussions will include processes of planetary formation; the geology of the Earth, Moon, Sun, and other planets; planetary interiors and atmospheres; remote sensing instruments and techniques; asteroids, meteorites, comets, and the role of impacts; the uniqueness of the Earth as a habitable planet; and extraterrestrial life.

Environmental Science
General Education 2013: Academy College
(Co-Instructor). This course provides an overview of ecology as applied to our past, present, and future existence, and an application of biological principles and interrelationships between the individual and the environment.  Principles of ecology are presented as seen in the structure and function of ecosystems; energy resources and their uses; pollution of air, soil and water resources; population explosion and the relationship of people, disease, and food production; and environmental control necessary for survival.  Emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of the individual and society in bringing about solutions to our environmental problems.

Preparing Future Faculty
Graduate School 8101 & 8102: University of Minnesota
(Participant). Program description: Through its core courses - Teaching in Higher Education followed by a Practicum course - the Preparing Future Faculty Program provides a teaching and learning forum in which participants engage with a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural mix of masters students, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral fellows. Participants discuss learning theory and strategies, develop teaching skills, create classroom and job search materials, and work with faculty from a range of institutional types.