Teaching and Mentorship
I want to create a classroom that is inclusive for all students from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, etc., and promote the idea that anyone can be good at science or pursue a science career.
I have wanted to become a teacher since high school; college and graduate school put me on a path to become a professor, where I can combine this passion for teaching with scientific research. I believe the synthesis of both aspects is crucial for science education and therefore I employ laboratory material in lecture courses and vice versa. I strongly believe that anyone can become a scientist with the right motivation and support, and I strive to encourage scientific thinking in everyday life. This mindset gives me a framework for teaching that encourages students from all backgrounds, building on my own experiences as the first scientist in my family. It also supports my personal beliefs and goals to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within my discipline and academic community.
BIO 564 – Biological Oceanography &
BIOL 564 – Biological Oceanography Lab
Spring 2022, 2023
This course explores life in Earth’s oceans, and the multitude of biological organisms and processes that occur within them. We examine organisms ranging from tiny plankton to corals and marine mammals, investigate their diversity and the ways they make a living in the ocean. Most of the focus will be on smaller species, as they “run the world” through nutrient cycling and can have major impacts on both humanity and the environment. Additionally, we explore applications of marine biological research to everyday life including medicine, energy, and food.
BIO 330 – Microbiology
Fall 2022
This course explores the “unseen majority” of life on Earth and how these microorganisms impact both humanity and the environment. Have you ever wondered how bacteria could possibly be good, or what exactly are archaea? We explore the diversity of all microorganisms and the ways they make a living, as well as real-world applications of microbiology in medicine, energy, and food. Additionally, this course provides students experience with the scientific method and scientific literacy, through evaluating materials and assessing evidence and accuracy.
We also contribute to the Microbe Wiki as part of the final class project, culminating in a Microbe Showcase at the end of the semester.
Hopkins Microbiology Course
HMC is run by Stanford faculty at the Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey. Students from across the world come to learn more about microbial ecology and metabolism through lectures and lab experiments. As lead course assistant, I was responsible for organizing lab exercises, preparing materials, and coordinating activities with faculty, TAs, and students.
Bard College, Citizen Science
I served as an instructor for first-year students at Bard College, where I guided them through a curriculum on science and water quality, incorporating current events and local issues.
Stanford’s Summer Undergraduate Research in Geoscience and Engineering (SURGE) Program
The SURGE program brings students from underrepresented backgrounds to Stanford to do research. I have had the privilege of serving as a mentor to two incredible undergraduate women through this program.
Tolar Lab @ UNCW 