Gateways for...

On Teaching

The best thing I can give my students is a high quality education that prepares them for the competitive job market they will soon be entering. In this vain, I aim to motivate students to reach their maximum potential through lecture, interactive discussion, and hands-on learning opportunities. I seek to establish a casual, but challenging classroom atmosphere, where students are comfortable conversing with me and with other students.

On Montreat

Montreat College offers students the opportunity to integrate their faith with an understanding of biology. While challenging at times, the interaction between these two areas can be especially rewarding. At Montreat students can learn about our Creator through the study of His Creation, and examine all the challenges and rewards that the study of biology offers to the Christian community. In addition, small classes, field-based courses, and a focus on student success provide students with a well-rounded education.

Education

University of Alberta 2006 - 2010

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences: Ecology Research Group
• Dissertation: The effects of anthropogenic noise on songbirds
• Completion of University Teaching Program

Eastern Kentucky University 2003 - 2005

• M.S. in Biology: Applied Ecology option
• National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellowship
• Thesis: Functions of the primary and sustained songs of male Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum)

Honey Rock Camp / Wheaton College 2000 - 2001

• Graduate Certificate in Camp Ministry and Leadership
• Internship in group retreats, adventure challenge, wilderness programs, camp design, and camp operation

Texas A&M University 1994 - 1998

• B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
• Undergraduate Thesis: Association of the Threespot Damselfish (Stegastes planifrons) in Ridge Mortality of Diploria strigosa in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 
• Texas A&M University Honors Graduate
   

Teaching Experience

• Assistant professor of biology and environmental science 2010-present
  Montreat College
   
• Teaching assistant 2006-2010
  University of Alberta
   
• Teaching fellow (K-12) 2003-2005
  Eastern Kentucky University
   
• Environmental / outdoor educator 2000-2001
  Honey rock camp / American outdoor schools
   
• Scuba instructor 1996-2000
  Sail Caribbean / Paradise Scuba
   

Research Interest

I am interested in how animals respond to novel environments – especially those altered by human development. My research focuses primarily on the vocal responses of songbirds to the increasing levels of anthropogenic (human caused) noise that overlaps their vocal signals. Since these overlapped signals are less detectable, I am investigating mechanisms that species employ to increase the effectiveness of their signals in areas of high noise. I am also investigating the potential that noise exacerbates the loss of some species and homogenation in developed landscapes.

Curriculum Vitae