Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, I strive to have my students flourish by providing accessible and clear information, respecting diversity of learning styles and backgrounds, and challenging students to develop as critical thinkers and strong writers. I encourage my students to explore their interests, use information creatively, and communicate knowledge effectively.
Scientific knowledge derives from observations, questions, hypotheses, experiments, interpretation, and application of this interpretation to continued experiments. Science thrives with communication of ideas between scientists, it relies on peer review, and it depends on hard work and perseverance. I look to these principles as a foundation for my classes.
Neuroscience is, broadly, the study of the structure and function of the brain. This is a challenging topic to teach because one must be able to draw connections between human and animal behavior to neuroanatomy, circuit connectivity and dynamics, neuroendocrinology, cell biology, genetics, etc. I present a holistic view of the brain and behavior, and aim to tie in current research as much as possible in my classes.
Undergraduate Classes Taught at UMass Amherst
Junior Year Writing in Psychology (PSYCH 392)
Fall & Spring 2018, Spring 2020
Methods of Inquiry in Psychology - Lab (PSYCH 241)
Fall 2015, Spring 2016
Behavioral Neuroscience / Intro to Neuroscience - University Without Walls (PSYCH 330)
Summer 2020, Summer 2021
Undergraduate Classes Taught at Smith College
Seminar in Biopsychology - Parenting (PSY 326pr)
Fall 2021
Brain, Behavior, and Emotion (PSY 227)
Fall 2021