Courses and Teaching
Awards On-Campus Study Abroad
Awards
2019 Phi Beta Delta: Honor Society for International Scholars
Office of International Programs, Auburn University
2017 Harold Christen Teaching Award
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University
2016 Spirit of Sustainability Award
Office of Sustainability, Auburn University
2006 Outstanding Achievement in Teaching
College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho
Office of International Programs, Auburn University
2017 Harold Christen Teaching Award
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University
2016 Spirit of Sustainability Award
Office of Sustainability, Auburn University
2006 Outstanding Achievement in Teaching
College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho
On-Campus Courses
People and the Environment: An introduction to the Conservation Social Sciences (NATR 2050)
Conservation Social Science is the term used to encompass the application of a wide variety of social sciences (ecological economics, environmental policy, conservation psychology, environmental sociology, environmental ethics, etc.) used to understand the relationships of people and their environment. This class is an introduction to these multiple perspectives followed by examination of how they can be applied with our ecological knowledge to address multiple natural resource issues such as deforestation, biodiversity conservation, climate change, watershed management, urban ecosystems and others using a case study approach. This class is a social science core class for Auburn University and a core course for Natural Resources Management major. 3 credits Environmental Interpretation (NATR 2010) Students gain an understanding of the principals of effective environmental interpretation as it applies to natural resources while presenting, observing, and evaluating both their peers and professionally developed talks, presentations and displays. Teaches best practices in guiding, trail design, and static informative displays. Core class for the Nature-based Recreation Minor. 3 credits Nature-based Recreation (NATR 3310) An introduction to the theory and practice of nature-based recreation. Covers consumptive and non-consumptive outdoor recreation, recreation on public lands, recreationist preferences, satisfaction, conflict, economics, visitor use management and planning. Core class for the Nature-based Recreation Minor. 3 credits Ecotourism (NATR 4310) Course teaches the critical elements of ecotourism 1) is nature-based and conservation focused; 2) fosters environmental and cultural learning and understanding; 3) benefits local peoples; and 4) is sustainably managed as a business. This course explores the ecotourism industry from a systemic and holistic perspective with discussion, readings, and case studies used to frame components and issues relevant to the industry. Core class for the Nature-based Recreation Minor. 3 credits Environmental Services (NATR 5320/6320) Course thoroughly examine the multiple environmental services that ecosystems provide, their connection to human well-being and livelihoods, and the market mechanisms and payment programs that have been designed to provide incentives for their maintenance. 3 credits |
Study Abroad Courses
People and the Environment in Barcelona, Spain
Built directly off the on-campus class but with examples from Barcelona, Spain, and the Mediterranean. AU core credit as a social science and Natural Resources Management major core. Summer 2018 as part of AU study abroad core program. 1 month, 3 credits |
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Nature-Based Tourism in New Zealand/Aotearoa.
A course that explores sustainability, ecotourism, and nature-based recreation in the field. The course tours the southern tip of the South Island for wildlife viewing, trekking, and cultural exploration. We use and evaluate wildlife guides, interpretative centers, tourism communities, a fishing lodge, a museum (Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre), and cultural events. We travel from Dunedin though to Lake Te Anau, to Milford Sound, Queenstown, Aoraki Mount Cook, and leave from Christchurch. Offered every other year. 2 ½ weeks, 3 credits |
Cultural Tourism in Fiji.
This was a special section of the College of Human Sciences (CHS) Global Studies course: Sustainability in Action: Fiji. “This month-long program on the 200-acre Vorovoro Island, students will stay in the home of a Mali villager, allowing them a first-hand look into authentic island life, cuisine, and culture. Students will have the opportunity to visit sugar cane and permaculture farms, engage with local Fijians in a collaborative community project, and gain first-hand knowledge to compare and contrast the wealth of tourists versus the life of an average Fijian. This program will stretch students’ perspectives on sustainability, globalization, economic development, climate change, natural resources management, ecotourism, and consumerism.” 1 month, 9 credits |
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Watershed Services in Costa Rica.
This class provides students an opportunity to examine the environmental services that watersheds provide, their connection to human well-being and livelihoods, and the market mechanism and payment programs that have been designed to provide incentives for their maintenance. Specific focus is on programs in Costa Rica. Class includes 8 lectures on campus and travel to Costa Rica over fall break to hear from local participants, businesses, non-governmental organizations and agency heads regarding the effectiveness of the payment program for conservation and for local landowners. 9 days. 2 credit |
Pre-Freshman Study Abroad: Sustainability in Belize.
Pre-freshman course on ecotourism, cultural tourism, and conservation and development in Belize offered through the Office of International Programs at AU. Study abroad electives option for the Recreation Minor in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. 1 week. 2 credit |
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