Experience Summary
I have been a guest lecturer for the Marshall University Masters of Science in Forensic Science program since 2004; annually, I present graduate school-level students with a two-day workshop on the subject of Forensic Biology that included a full day of lectures and a day of hands-on laboratory exercises.
When I was a graduate school student, I was a teaching assistant for the DNA Technology Laboratory at Marshall University.
I have also been a Biology Tutor for a summer enrichment program for high school students through Saint Louis University.
In addition, I had been a private tutor since I was in college.
Teaching Style
Being an educator is a job that requires a sense of passion, for it is a job that simply cannot be performed successfully if one does not feel or care for that excitement that comes with making an impact in someone’s life. An educator has the ability to help shape students’ mind and change their ways of thinking, both for better and for worse. While educators have the responsibility to provide students with accurate knowledge on the subject matter being taught, an educator also has a responsibility to inspire. I believe that as an educator, it is not only my responsibility to present the information accurately to the students, but also to show the students the importance of this knowledge because a student that is inspired by a subject matter will have the desire to learn about it. As an educator, I cannot make a student appreciate or dislike a particular subject of study; I can, however, convey to the students my enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter in an unbiased manner so that they can form an informed decision for themselves.
An educator also has a responsibility to promote critical thinking. It is my belief that as an educator, I have the ability to make a difference in my students’ lives. I appreciate the impact I make as I introduce to my students concepts and theories that may alter their way of thinking and consequently help them gain new perspectives on their lives. I believe that my job as an educator is complete if my students are able to take away from my classes the necessary knowledge and principles regarding the subject matter being taught as well as the ability to think critically, to not be afraid to step outside of their paradigms, and to approach problems with open-mindedness.