TEACHING

Teaching

While the rudimentary elements of a discipline can be taught in courses, true scientific achievements at the post-graduate level come slowly through repeated practice and exposure to diverse ideas, experimental systems, and critical review. In the laboratory, my approach to teaching focuses on mentoring all personnel regardless of educational background. My lab provides an environment where people can learn from each other, take pride in their individual contributions, and feel free to develop their skills and abilities to the fullest. Most students are motivated by the idea of being in control of a project, and they will often respond enthusiastically to the opportunity to explore freely within predefined boundaries (e.g. the constraints of funded projects). Because collaboration is so important to success, students are also encouraged to work and communicate extensively with their peers and other experts who can help them achieve success in their research projects.

At OSU, I contribute several different graduate level courses. The most significant contributions are in PLNT PTH 655 (Quantitative Methods in Applied Biology) taughet every AU quarter, and PLNT PTH 830 (Current Topics: Biological Control of Plant Pathogens) and PLNT PTH 843 (Ecology of Plant-Associated Microbes) both taught every other year. Additionally, regular contributions are made to PLNT PTH 602 (Plant-Microbe Interactions) and guest lecture in Crop & Soil T220 (Organic Farming).