Teaching Honors

• University of Missouri William T. Kemper Award for Teaching Excellence (2008)
• University of Missouri College of Arts & Science Purple Chalk Teaching Award (2005)

Courses

BioSci 2300: Introduction to Cell Biology (spring semesters)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of cell structure and function.  The course focuses on the molecular bases of fundamental cellular processes such as energy production, cell division, intracellular trafficking, signal transduction and cell motility.  Examples highlighting the importance of cell biology to medicine and biotechnology are considered.  The course emphasizes the experimental basis of cell biology, devoting considerable time to the laboratory techniques and strategies used in cell biological research.

BioSci 8320: Developmental Genetics (fall semesters, even years)
This course provides a forum for graduate students to learn and discuss our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying major developmental events. The course introduces various model developmental systems that are particularly amenable to genetic analysis. For each system, particular developmental processes are discussed in detail using the primary research literature. Students become familiar with the experimental advantages of various model systems, and the tools and resources available to address specific problems in development. Students also become proficient at reading, discussing, and evaluating research papers.

BioSci 8440: Integrative Neuroscience 1 (fall semesters)
This team-taught course introduces several topics in molecular, cellular and developmental neuroscience. With this background, students will participate in a discussion of primary research articles. Relevant neurological diseases will be discussed. The students gain an appreciation of the immense complexity of the nervous system, and how it is assembled and functions at the cellular and molecular levels. This is the first course of a two-semester sequence with Integrative Neuroscience 2, which will discuss topics, research, and diseases related to systems, behavioral, and cognitive neuroscience.

Micro 9432: Molecular Biology 2 (spring semesters)
This team-taught course provides a forum for graduate students to learn and discuss our current understanding of the molecular bases of cellular processes. The course discusses processes ranging from transcription to post-translational modification of proteins, in the context of animal and plant development, physiology, and disease. Students also become proficient at reading, discussing, and evaluating research papers.

BioSci 8060: Ethical Conduct of Research (spring semesters)
This team-taught course is an essential component of the MU graduate school curriculum for training scientists. It presents and discusses case studies of various topics such as animal research protocols, authorships and collaborations, data plagiarism and validity, lab relationships, and intellectual property.