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Teaching & Outreach

I am passionate about science education and public engagement, with experience teaching at the university level, mentoring students in research, and leading outreach programs that make conservation science accessible to broader audiences. I have taught over 100 undergraduate students in formal classroom and laboratory settings and have designed and delivered educational programs for more than 300 K-12 students and community members.

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As a Teaching Assistant and Learning Assistant, I have led over 10 lab sections in biology and Earth sciences, guiding students through hands-on experiments, field-based learning, and interactive discussions. My teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential learning, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and accessibility, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can engage deeply with the material.

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Beyond the classroom, I am committed to creating professional development opportunities for early-career scientists. In 2024, I founded and currently chair the Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group (CMWG) within The Wildlife Society, a national initiative that connects students, researchers, and conservation professionals. Through this group, I have organized mentorship programs, educational webinars, and conference sessions to foster knowledge exchange and career advancement in coastal and marine conservation.

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Additionally, I have worked with organizations such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, SeaWorld, and the NOAA Nature Coast Biological Station to create interactive learning experiences on wildlife ecology, conservation, and environmental stewardship. Whether leading a week-long science camp, conducting bilingual community outreach, or mentoring undergraduate researchers, I am committed to making science accessible, engaging, and impactful for all.​

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Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant (TA)

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • Planet Earth Laboratory (EMES101L) – Spring 2025

    • Led 3 lab sections, instructing 40 students in Earth science concepts through hands-on experiments and field-based learning.

  • University of Florida

    • Integrated Principles of Biology II Laboratory (BSC2011L) – Spring 2021

    • Taught 2 lab sections of ~25 students each, covering fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology, genetics, and ecology.

 
Learning Assistant (LA)

  • University of Florida

    • Integrated Principles of Biology II (BSC2011) – Fall 2020, Spring 2021

    • Provided peer-assisted instruction for 40 students across two semesters, facilitating discussions and interactive problem-solving.

 
Guest Lectures

  • Predicting the Future of Hatteras Island, UNC Chapel Hill (2024)

  • Human Dimensions Research Methods, Arkansas State University (2023)

  • Human-Wildlife Interactions on the Alabama Coast, Auburn University (2023)

  • Tuna Industry & Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan, Auburn University (2023)

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Outreach & Science Communication

K-12 & Community Education

  • Science Instructor, Alachua County Public Schools (2020)

    • Designed and delivered environmental science lessons for ~30 students weekly, incorporating hands-on activities and field explorations.

  • Education Specialist, SeaWorld Entertainment (2019)

    • Led marine science and conservation programs for over 200 students and families, teaching about ocean ecosystems and wildlife conservation.

  • Nature Coast Biological Station Educator, University of Florida (2018–2019)

    • Engaged 100+ community members and students through interactive programs on salt marsh ecology, fish dissections, and trawling expeditions.

Professional Organizations

  • Founder & Chair, Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group (CMWG), The Wildlife Society (2024–present)

    • Established a national-level working group focused on connecting professionals and students in coastal and marine conservation.

    • Organized mentorship programs, educational webinars, and conference sessions to enhance knowledge exchange.​

Public Engagement​

  • R3 & Educational Outreach, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) (2023–2024)

    • Designed and facilitated wildlife conservation programs for public audiences, focusing on hunter education, wildlife laws, and ecosystem stewardship.

  • R3 & Educational Outreach, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) (2022–2023)

    • Designed and facilitated wildlife conservation programs for public audiences, focusing on hunter education, wildlife laws, and ecosystem stewardship.

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