5. Professional Learning

Your activities can include any or all of the following, including learning opportunities focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, accessibility, anti-racism, intersectionality, and/or environmental justice.
A. Participation in seminars, training, and professional development
B. Design of interdisciplinary or collaborative courses or teaching projects
C. Use and evaluation of new methods and materials for teaching, assessing learning, grading
D. Preparation of a textbook, lab manual, courseware, etc.
E. Description of instructional improvement projects developed or carried out
F. Maintenance of currency through conference attendance, journal subscriptions, books, podcasts
G. Research, grant-writing
H. Membership and/or participation in professional organizations
I. Publications, exhibitions, performances, productions, conference talks/posters
J. Recognitions, awards, acknowledgments

Seminars and Trainings

  • New Faculty Academy. A series of monthly sessions with Dana Emerson to assist new faculty in understanding the campus culture, meeting key members of the campus community, and learning about resources and opportunities that are available to faculty.
  • Advanced Sketching, workshop presented by Rick Simonson, sponsored by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators.
  • Vertebrate Anatomy for Artists, 8-week workshop presented by Hannah Cohen, sponsored by the Lyme Art Association.
  • Reboot & Revise: Summer AI Course Adjustments workshop (Sonoma State University). This interactive two-day workshop addressed ways of integrating AI into courses to support student learning, and minimize negative impacts of AI use. Culminated in the creation of a syllabus statement on AI use in the classroom.
  • TIPS Rehumanizing STEM introduction to lesson study (Sonoma State University). This workshop brought faculty from across the California State University system together to kick-off the AY 2025/26 lesson study program.
  • The Virtual Field 2025/26 orientation workshop.
  • Introduction to the iNaturalist Ambassador Program.
  • Co-facilitated a Spring 2026 Flex Week session sponsored by the AI Collective – Building a Multi-pronged Approach to Reducing AI Misuse
  • Participated in the following Flex Sessions:
    • Fall Semester 2025
      • Welcome New (and New-ish) Employees!
      • “Singing Bell” Metal Casting Workshop
      • Accommodations: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
      • Preparing for Possible Immigration Enforcement
      • Clarifying the New Student Experience
      • Leveraging Canvas Discussions and Pronto for Meaningful Student Interaction
      • Committee Work: Can’t Share Governance Without It
      • Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices In Action: COM Faculty Share Their Work
      • Come Learn about the COM AI Collective!
      • COM Care: Balancing Boundaries with Restorative Practices in the Classroom
      • Common Course Numbering Explained: A Guide for Faculty, Administrators, & Staff
      • Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices (CRPP)-What is it and how can I get involved?
      • Equity is Not a Phase: Professional Learning Series
    • Spring Semester 2026
      • Creating an Annual Wellbeing Plan
      • Clarifying the New Student Experience
      • Supporting Undocumented Students at COM: Updates & Guidance
      • Inclusive by Design: Preparing for Title II and Beyond
      • Connecting the Dots: Strengthening Participatory Governance Through Collaboration and Self-Evaluation
      • Red Cross CPR/AED blended training program with online and in-person components. (received certification)
      • Instruction That Works for Everyone: Lessons in Universal Design for Learning
      • Unlocking Your Creativity Through Fun Word Games
      • What Does Immigration Have to Do with My Discipline? Interdisciplinary Approaches to COMmon Read 2026-27
      • Bolinas Field Station and Tidepool exploration
  • Mandatory online trainings:
    • Workplace Violence: Awareness and Prevention
    • California 1-Hour Sexual Harassment Course for Non-Supervisory Employees

Use and Evaluation of New Materials

The Virtual Field Scientific Inquiry. Piloted virtual field trip activity that uses 360° video to allow students to explore habitats in California and Michigan at different times of the year.

Preparation of a Lab Manual

Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Evolution (BIOL 111A). Developed curriculum for this new course, including drafting a lab manual to be submitted to four-year universities to ensure that the course will qualify as a prerequisite for their programs. During the Spring 2026 semester, I will revise this manual, to have a final draft completed by the end of the semester.

Professional Organizations

  • American Association of University Women. Member
  • Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. Member
  • iNaturalist. Invited to become an iNaturalist Ambassador, as part of their newly-formed program to support and grow the use of this community biodiversity platform.