Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and student-focused environment that promotes inquiry, discovery, and active learning. I aim to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, connecting science to real-world challenges. My courses focus on building scientific literacy, critical thinking, and a deep passion for nature. Whether through discussions, immersive field experiences, or cutting-edge research tools, my goal is to engage students with dynamic, relevant content.
I have designed and taught various courses across the U.S. and internationally, from molecular phylogenetics and evolutionary thinking to immersive ecology field courses. My teaching integrates modern research tools like nanopore sequencing, providing students with hands-on molecular biology experience that directly applies to real-world research. I envision bringing this approach to all academic spaces I participate, incorporating bioinformatics and phylogenetics into core courses, and designing electives that allow students to engage with nature appreciation.
Teaching Experience (also see CV)
SCI2715: SRI Undergraduate Research Spring & Fall 2023 & 2024, Spring 2025
Instructor; University of Utah
SCI3900/HONOR3990: HSTEM: Being Human in STEM Spring 2024
Co-Instructor with Dr. Claudia De Grandi; University of Utah
Examining and Addressing Climate Change in Costa Rica Spring 2023 & 2024
Organizer, Coordinator, and Instructor; University of Utah
SCI1500: Principles of Scientific Inquiry Falls 2024 (2x), 2023 (2x), 2022
Instructor; University of Utah
BIOL3960: Tree Thinking: Introduction to Phylogenetics Spring 2022 & Fall 2021
Instructor; University of Utah
BIOL3410: Topics in Ecology & Evolution Fall 2020 & 2018, Spring 2017
Teaching Assistant; University of Utah
BIOL3450: Rainforest Ecology & Conservation Spring 2019 & 2017
Teaching Assistant; University of Utah
BIOL3450: Rainforest Ecology and Conservation (in Spanish) Spring 2019 & 2017
Instructor; Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum Program at University of Utah
BIOL5445: Entomology Fall 2019
Teaching Assistant and Instructor; University of Utah. In addition to TA activities, designed and conducted the lab section
Summer Camp “Exploring the Amazon” Summer 2019 & 2018
Teacher and Camp Counselor; Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum Program at University of Utah. Week-long immersion camp in Portuguese for K-12 students
Introduction to Molecular Phylogenetics (in Spanish) Summer 2018
Instructor; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia. Short-term course for the Graduate Program in Biology
Hexapoda General Course (in Portuguese) Fall 2015
Lecturer; Short-term course for Biology program at UNESP-CLP (State University of São Paulo, Campus of Litoral Paulista, Brazil)
II Curso de Formigas do Brasil (in English: II Brazilian Ant Course) 2013
Instructor; Short-term course at UFMG (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil)
Pre-College Preparatory Course (in Portuguese) 2010-2011
Grammar and Writing Teacher; Course organized by UNESP-CLP students to support underprivileged students to prepare for the mandatory University National Exam in Brazil
Invertebrate Zoology II (in Portuguese) Fall 2009-2011
Teaching assistant; UNESP-CLP