Our ‘Central Dogma’ in the Classroom
Science is for everyone
We will respect those around us
Questions are encouraged
We will think like scientists
Science matters beyond the classroom
These principles guide the way we learn, communicate, and grow together in our classroom community.
Building a Classroom Community
I see the classroom as a community. It is a place where students learn with the instructor and with one another rather than simply receiving information. One thing that has always resonated with me comes from the way we sign ‘class’ in American Sign Language: the sign for class really encompasses that we are not just a group, but a group together, as our hands come together in a circle (see the sign for ‘class’ here: https://www.aslbloom.com/signs/class). The sign for class is the same as the sign for family, just with a ‘f’ handshape instead of ‘c’. That idea really resonated with the way I see my classroom. It is not ‘me’ and ‘the students’ it is ‘all of us’ together, supporting each other as we challenge each other, listen to each other, hear other perspectives, and learn from those around us.
In my courses, it is of central importance that I create an environment where students feel respected, supported, challenged, and empowered to see themselves as scientists. I believe that learning biology is about learning how to think, communicate, and engage with science responsibly. That growth takes time, hard conversations, occasional growing pains, and support from one another. It is my responsibility as a teacher to encourage students and support them as we grow together!
Here is an example from my first lecture each quarter where we set the stage for the classroom environment together!
Resources for students
This section is currently under development and will continue to grow with study resources, scientific communication tools, and more; please check back soon!
Courses I teach
- BIS101 - Genes & Gene Expression
- BIS102 - Structure & Function of Biomolecules
- BIS103 - Bioenergetics & Metabolism
- MCB120/120L - Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Laboratory and Lecture
- MCB123 - Behavior & Analysis of Enzyme & Receptor Systems
“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.” — Richard Feynman, theoretical physicist, 1918–1988