Educational Philosophy

Learning should be exciting, fun and challenging. In science classes, you will do, see and hear about things that you may never have the opportunity to experience outside of the classroom. Science classes present students with once in a life time opportunities to view microorganisms, extract DNA, or even clone genes, while teaching them about concepts relevant to their everyday lives and health.

Courses Taught

General Biology I : This course focuses on cell biology. Cellular biochemistry, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, reproduction, genetics and evolution will be covered.

General Biology II: This course focuses on the biology of organisms. Plant and animal structure and function, nutrition, life cycles, ecological relationships and the origin and evolution of life will be covered.

Microbiology: This course focuses on the structure, classification, and physiology of bacteria and viruses. Infection, immunity, and the destruction of microorganisms are emphasized.

Student Advising and Clubs

I co-advise NCCC’s Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for Two-Year College Students. I advise the Northwest Educators of Tomorrow Club for students interested in teaching careers.
I advise students in the Teacher Preparation Pathways, the Biology Pathway and the College of Technology/Engineering Science Programs.
I also advise students in the Liberal Arts and Science and General Studies Programs.

Professional Organizations

National Association of Science Teachers
Connecticut Association of Biology Teachers : Secretary
Connecticut Community College Biology Faculty Association: Chair
National Association of Biology Teachers: Coordinator for the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Coordinator

Committees

• Co-chair of the Academic Policy Committee, the Community Outreach Committee and the Center for Teaching.

• Member of the New Student Orientation committee.
  

• NCCC’s representative to the system-wide Center for Teaching Steering Committee and as a Teaching and Learning Consultant.

• Member of the Standing Advisory Committee to the Board of Governors for Higher Education and the Transfer and Articulation Subcommittee.

Other Interests

I enjoy working with students on community service projects. I have taken small groups of students to the Dominican Republic to work in a school for Haitian refuges and to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s Alternate Spring break program.