ESRM 415/SEFS 506,
Terrestrial Invasion Ecology (5 credits).
Biological invasions are a major threat to native
biodiversity and ecosystem function. This course
covers the major principles of invasion biology
and ecology as they apply to terrestrial
ecosystems, from invasion pathways and the arrival
stage, factors that affect non-native species
establishment and spread, impacts to ecosystem
function and diversity, and stage-specific
management strategies.
Winter Quarters:
Q SCI 381, Introduction to
Probability and Statistics (5 credits). Statistics
plays an important role in nearly all aspects of
science and society, and the ability to
understand, interpret, and critique data and the
statistics used to analyze these data provides an
important foundation, regardless of career choice.
The main objectives of this course are (1) to
understand the different types of data and how
they are collected; (2) to understand the basis of
distributions and the information that can be
inferred from them; and (3) to understand
different types of basic data analysis, and how to
interpret the results.
Spring Quarters:
ESRM 435, Insect Ecology (3
credits). This course is presented as a
study of ecological principles as they pertain to
insects, the factors and processes that affect
insect populations, and the role that insects play
in the ecosystems they inhabit. The main
objectives of this course are to (1) Integrate
broad-based knowledge of the principles of insect
ecology at four levels of integration
(populations, communities, ecosystems, and
landscapes); (2) Appreciate the linkages between
these four levels of integration; (3) Synthesize
the relationship between principles of insect
ecology and the scientific and applied charges of
entomology; and (4) Recognize the broad and
diverse roles that insects play in the ecosystems
they inhabit.
Early Fall Quarters:
ESRM 489, The Natural and
Cultural History of Costa Rica (Study Abroad
Exploration Course). This is a 24-day study
abroad course where we experience
the rich biodiversity and cultural history of
Costa Rica. We explore a range of tropical
ecosystems, from the beaches of the Pacific Ocean,
to the lush humid rainforests of the Osa
Peninsula, and up into the cloud forests. An
overall objective of the course is to explore the
connection between modern society and the natural
world through activities centered at the
intersection of nature, commerce and tourism. In
2025, the preliminary dates of the course are
August 26 to September 18. Contact me if you are
interested in more information.
Undergraduate research
opportunities:
Undergraduate students interested
in conducting independent undergraduate research,
a capstone project, or a senior thesis project in
my lab should contact me.
