My general approach for teaching is based on four aspects, which I believe help students with the conceptual understanding and retention of the course material and create a positive learning environment. These aspects are: (1) keeping a focus on the ‘big picture’, (2) understanding the progression of the field and giving historical context, (3) encouraging and allowing time for feedback and discussion, and (4) real world experiences through data collection and field trips. Read more here...
Courses
Biogeography - Distributions of Plants and Animals
Course focuses on the processes governing the geographic distribution patterns of marine and terrestrial biota, including dispersal, evolution, isolation, and endemism, including an introduction to island biogeography. Most readings are primary literature which will be analyzed and discussed both in class and the discussion section. The course includes a three-day field trip to the California central coast to observe how these biogeographic processes we discuss shape the local environments around us.
Advanced Ecological Remote Sensing
Course introduces students to cloud-based remote sensing analysis platforms (Google Earth Engine) using the JavaScript and Python programming languages. Lectures focus on ecological theory in both terrestrial and aquatic environments and cover succession, dispersal, spatial synchrony, population growth and distribution, community structure, diversity, biogeochemistry, climate, water and energy balance, and the relationships between pattern and process. Laboratory sections focus on basic imagery import and analysis, masking, generating time series, classification, spectral unmixing, and statistical analysis relevant to spatial data. Using information learned from the lectures, students will develop a research question, use Google Earth Engine to generate spatial time series, analyze the data using spatial statistics, and present results and conclusions to the class an in an open forum.
Remote Sensing Techniques
Course covers the theory and application of remote sensing methods. We examine data extraction and radiative transfer modeling relevant to remote sensing, focusing on applications for environmental monitoring and natural resource management. Lab exercises develop skills for the advanced processing of satellite data, including linear transforms, image correction, change detection, classification techniques, and sub-pixel modeling. Students choose an original research question to develop into an independent project to be completed throughout the quarter. Groups analyze a time series of imagery using methods learned in the class to reach a conclusion. Results are presented orally in class and in poster session which is open to the public.
Marine Resources - Physics, Biology, and Fishery Economics of the California Current
An overview of the marine resources of the California coast, addressing the interplay of oceanographic, climatic, biogeochemical, and geologic factors as well as anthropogenic influences. Topics included climate, circulation, biogeography, fisheries, marine mammals, petroleum extraction issues, pollution, and exploration history. The course includes a project where student groups research different marine stakeholders (fisherman, environmental advocates, Native Americans, recreation, etc.) and came to a consensus on a design for a system of marine protected areas (MPA's) along the California coast.
Coastal - Heartland Exchange
Summer research program conducted by Tom Bell (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and Daniel Reuman (University of Kansas). The nine-week program involves four weeks getting hands-on exposure to marine biology systems, field work, and data collection at WHOI, followed by four weeks at KU learning data analytic approaches and applying them to data from marine systems. Students design and carry out their own research projects with the assistance of project leaders and staff. The final week of the program will take place at the annual Ecological Society of America meeting where students will get broad exposure to the field of ecology and to ecological research. The main purpose of the program is to orient students to the fields of ecology and marine biology, to provide research experience, and to encourage the realization that these fields can provide excellent and fascinating career possibilities for students from a very wide range of backgrounds.
Course focuses on the processes governing the geographic distribution patterns of marine and terrestrial biota, including dispersal, evolution, isolation, and endemism, including an introduction to island biogeography. Most readings are primary literature which will be analyzed and discussed both in class and the discussion section. The course includes a three-day field trip to the California central coast to observe how these biogeographic processes we discuss shape the local environments around us.
Advanced Ecological Remote Sensing
Course introduces students to cloud-based remote sensing analysis platforms (Google Earth Engine) using the JavaScript and Python programming languages. Lectures focus on ecological theory in both terrestrial and aquatic environments and cover succession, dispersal, spatial synchrony, population growth and distribution, community structure, diversity, biogeochemistry, climate, water and energy balance, and the relationships between pattern and process. Laboratory sections focus on basic imagery import and analysis, masking, generating time series, classification, spectral unmixing, and statistical analysis relevant to spatial data. Using information learned from the lectures, students will develop a research question, use Google Earth Engine to generate spatial time series, analyze the data using spatial statistics, and present results and conclusions to the class an in an open forum.
Remote Sensing Techniques
Course covers the theory and application of remote sensing methods. We examine data extraction and radiative transfer modeling relevant to remote sensing, focusing on applications for environmental monitoring and natural resource management. Lab exercises develop skills for the advanced processing of satellite data, including linear transforms, image correction, change detection, classification techniques, and sub-pixel modeling. Students choose an original research question to develop into an independent project to be completed throughout the quarter. Groups analyze a time series of imagery using methods learned in the class to reach a conclusion. Results are presented orally in class and in poster session which is open to the public.
Marine Resources - Physics, Biology, and Fishery Economics of the California Current
An overview of the marine resources of the California coast, addressing the interplay of oceanographic, climatic, biogeochemical, and geologic factors as well as anthropogenic influences. Topics included climate, circulation, biogeography, fisheries, marine mammals, petroleum extraction issues, pollution, and exploration history. The course includes a project where student groups research different marine stakeholders (fisherman, environmental advocates, Native Americans, recreation, etc.) and came to a consensus on a design for a system of marine protected areas (MPA's) along the California coast.
Coastal - Heartland Exchange
Summer research program conducted by Tom Bell (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and Daniel Reuman (University of Kansas). The nine-week program involves four weeks getting hands-on exposure to marine biology systems, field work, and data collection at WHOI, followed by four weeks at KU learning data analytic approaches and applying them to data from marine systems. Students design and carry out their own research projects with the assistance of project leaders and staff. The final week of the program will take place at the annual Ecological Society of America meeting where students will get broad exposure to the field of ecology and to ecological research. The main purpose of the program is to orient students to the fields of ecology and marine biology, to provide research experience, and to encourage the realization that these fields can provide excellent and fascinating career possibilities for students from a very wide range of backgrounds.