Scenic view of mountain range with treeless peaks in the distance, grassy hills in the foreground, under a clear sky at sunset.

I teach with the goal of connecting Earth science concepts to students’ lives, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging curiosity.

Helping student see the science in the world around them.

Scenic view of a lake surrounded by green hills and mountains with a cloudy sky.

Courses Taught

Below are the courses that I currently teach at Pensacola State College. Syllabi are provided for reference.

Red rock formation in a desert landscape with natural arch, sparse green vegetation, and a blue sky with a few clouds.
Dead trees in foreground with travertine terraces and steam rising in the background at a geothermal area, under a partly cloudy sky.

Introduction to Earth Science

Covers the Earth’s structure, processes, and systems, emphasizing observation, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data.

Earth Science Syllabi
Cliffside with waves crashing against rocks in the ocean.
A coastal road beside a body of water with a bridge in the background, surrounded by green hills and an overcast sky.

General Oceanography

Explores the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the world’s oceans, with connections to climate, ecosystems, and human impact.

Oceanography Syllabus

Selected Applied Assignments

  • Tracing the Challenger Expedition

    Students work in groups to map the route of the Challenger Expedition, identify key discoveries, and discuss its role in shaping modern oceanography.

    Historic Breakthroughs in ocean science

  • Plate Tectonics: Spreading Rate Calculation

    Students use magnetic striping data to calculate the spreading rate and width of theoretical ocean basins.

    Geophysical calculations & Plate Tectonics

  • Chemical Properties of Water and CO₂ Impacts

    Students examine real-world data to understand how carbon dioxide affects ocean chemistry and marine life.

    Ocean Chemistry & Climate connections

  • Air-Sea Interaction Think-Pair-Share

    Students analyze how ocean-atmosphere interactions shape climate patterns and weather events.

    Climate & atmospheric dynamics

  • Earthquake location & Intensity

    Students triangulate earthquake epicenters using seismograms, then assess Mercalli intensity from historical accounts.

    Seismology & Natural Hazards

  • Volcanic Hazards Mapping

    Students map products from historic Cascade Range eruptions and assess risks to nearby communities.

    Volcanology & Hazard Assessment

  • Geologic Time Cross-Sections

    Students use geologic principles to interpret cross-sections and create their own from written descriptions.

    Deep Time & Stratigraphic interpretation

  • Climate Proxies Jigsaw

    Groups analyze different climate proxies for Iceland over the last 1,000 years, then combine data to create an approximate temperature curve.

    Paleoclimate Reconstruction

Selected Discussion Based Learning & Critical Thinking Skills Exercises

  • Applying the Scientific Method in Earth Science

    Students examine real-world application of the scientific method in advancing knowledge of Earth systems.

    foundations of scientific thinking

  • The Status of Pluto: Planet or Not?

    Students debate Pluto’s classification based on scientific evidence and definitions.

    Debates & Controversies in science

  • Strengthening Alfred Wegener's Continental Drift Theory

    Students chose post-WWII evidence to help convince skeptical scientists of Wegener’s era.

    Historic breakthroughs in Earth Science

  • Analyzing Global Volcanic Eruptions

    Students research a recent volcanic eruption and compare its impacts with peers’ findings.

    Natural Hazards in Context

  • Shifting Gases: Temperature & Ocean Chemistry

    Students discuss how temperature, salinity, and biological activity affect CO₂ and O₂ concentrations in the ocean.

    Ocean Chemistry & Climate connections

  • The Future of Tidal Energy

    Students evaluate the potential of tidal currents as a sustainable energy source, weighing benefits and challenges.

    Renewable Energy Solutions

  • Beach Stabilization Strategies & Their Impacts

    Students explore the pros, cons, and ecological implications of different beach stabilization methods.

    Coastal management & human impact

  • Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

    Students examine two key issues caused by floating plastic debris and determine which poses the greatest threat to marine life.

    Real-world environmental challenges