Teaching
For up-to-date course information, please see the KSU Dynamic Schedule.
Current students: Please refer to D2L Brightspace for current course content.
Graduate courses
BIOL 7410: Applied Biological Data Analysis
A graduate-level course in biological data management, visualization, statistical modeling, and reproducible analysis using R. Topics include linear and generalized linear models, mixed models, multivariate methods, and effective communication of quantitative results.
Bayesian Inference for Biologists
A directed methods seminar introducing Bayesian reasoning and model fitting in R and JAGS. Topics include priors, likelihoods, posterior distributions, MCMC, hierarchical models, and biological applications.
Undergraduate courses
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
An upper-level laboratory and lecture course examining vertebrate structure, function, development, and evolution. Students compare anatomical systems across major vertebrate groups through dissection, specimen study, quantitative analysis, and independent research projects.
Vertebrate Zoology
A survey of vertebrate diversity, evolution, ecology, and natural history. The course emphasizes major evolutionary transitions, comparative biology, classification, and identification of regional vertebrates. The lab component of the course is a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE).
Additional teaching
Undergraduate research and Directed Methods
I regularly supervise graduate research, thesis projects, independent studies, and directed methods courses in quantitative ecology, population biology, spatial analysis, and reproducible scientific computing.
Many undergraduates who work in the lab also enroll in BIOL 3110L: Directed Methods. This is a variable credit hour course where students to gain in-depth skills with a specific set of research methodologies through direct involvement in faculty-led research or scholarship. Reach out by email to discuss taking directed methods.
Students who want to conduct an independent research project within my lab, usually over the course of an entire academic year (Fall and Spring), can enroll in BIOL 4400: Directed Study. Reach out to me by email prior to the Fall semester if you are interested in exploring this possibility. Please note that I require potential Directed Study students to have previously taken at least 1 hour of BIOL 3110L or have similar demonstrated research experience.