The mysteries of nature continue to inspire innovation and scientific discovery. To live in awe is no longer sufficient: as citizens of an interconnected world, everyone is touched by the influence of science. Fundamental scientific literacy has become essential, and the learning process is no longer restricted to the classroom. One can easily grasp the significance and need for medical research to uncover novel disease treatments and improve daily living, but quite often the role that microbes play in human health, the ecosystem, and goods production is lost to the general public, obscured by jargon and locked away in the pages of journals or within research laboratories. This should not be so. I am committed to making sure the cycle of teaching and learning is complete by becoming an effective educator in addition to my role as a scientist. For this, I want students as participants and co-creators in our learning journey together. I believe we should discover, teach, and share together.
Discover, Teach, Share, Together. Thank you, Dr. Erin A. McKenney, for inspiration.
A full copy of my teaching philosophy can be downloaded here: Teaching philosophy.
My Teaching Philosophy in an Infographic