Teaching Philosphy
My teaching philosophy centers on fostering curiosity and empowering learners to become environmental stewards. I strive to create lessons that are not only informative but also engaging and accessible, whether I’m working with elementary school students, undergraduates, or community members. Hands-on, interdisciplinary approaches are central to my teaching, as they allow students to connect with environmental issues in meaningful ways.
I also believe that education extends beyond the classroom. My leadership of Sea Turtle Week reflects my commitment to global education and conservation. Creating lesson plans, contests, and other resources that are accessible worldwide has allowed me to reach a broad audience and contribute to fostering a global community of learners and conservation advocates. By sharing knowledge and tools, I hope to inspire people of all ages to take action and make a positive impact on our planet.
I offer virtual and in-person lessons in the NJ/PA area on environmental and STEM topics for grades K-College. Some topics include but are not limited to the biology of sea turtles, how to become a research scientist, plastic pollution & recycling, marine ecosystems, and weather systems, all of which are tailored to the appropriate grade level. If you are in me speaking to your class, please fill out this contact form. I can't wait to help inspire your students!
Elementary
I have a passion for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for young students. As a LINKS Fellow at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, I led and co-taught science lessons for grades K-5, designing activities that sparked curiosity and excitement about STEM topics. I also helped launch an after-school STEM club to provide students with additional opportunities for creative and inquiry-based learning.
In 2024, I developed Sea Turtle Week lesson plans for grades K-12, which were downloaded 269 times worldwide. These lessons focus on sea turtle life cycles, habitats, and the challenges these animals face, blending engaging content with meaningful conservation themes. Knowing that these materials have reach classrooms from the U.S. to Indonesia is one of my proudest accomplishments, as they continue to inspire young learners to care for the environment.
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College
My teaching experience at the collegiate level began at Gettysburg College, where I served as a Peer Learning Associate for courses in Earth System Science and Introduction to Photography. In those roles, I assisted with lab setups, mentored students, and helped guide both technical and creative projects. Whether it was peer-reviewing research papers or helping students develop and print film, I enjoyed the opportunity to support learners in both scientific and artistic disciplines.
My work as a conservation researcher also shapes my teaching. Through my fieldwork and experience with tools like GIS and bioacoustics, I bring practical applications into the classroom, helping students bridge theoretical concepts with real-world challenges. I aim to equip college students with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute meaningfully to environmental research and conservation.