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TEACHING EXPERIENCE

My research background provided great training for my teaching career. It prepared me to experiment with teaching methods in the classroom, analyze the outcomes, and make adjustments to increase student learning and engagement. Because of this, innovative teaching methods have been a hallmark of the pedagogy in all my courses. In 2010, I created a course that gave students the opportunity to put their laboratory skills to use in an international service-learning project that required traveling to Mozambique and Ecuador for the summer semester.
 
I designed an activity to recreate van Leeuwenhoek-style microscopes in the laboratory, as a hands-on approach to understand the mathematics of microscope optics (Drace 2012). In both my Introductory Biology and Microbiology courses, I incorporated gamification concepts to increase student engagement (Drace 2013). Most recently, I transformed my Introductory Biology laboratory into a semester-long experience where students investigated and identified antibiotic resistant bacteria from soil samples collected in Ecuador. This activity was successfully implemented, and students demonstrated novel skill development and gained significant insight into the process of science.    
Birmingham-Southern College (2016 - 2023)
 
GEN 299 Community Sustainability in Costa Rica
Explore the relationships between communities and their environments while gaining valuable experience developing a research and service learning project in the small gold-mining town of Las Juntas, Costa Rica. Prior to departure, students learn about the area’s ecological diversity; political, cultural, and social issues; research skills necessary to implement a successful project; and relevant Spanish vocabulary and conversation skills. In Costa Rica, students explore a variety of ecosystems (Cloud forests, Tropical forests, and Pacific coastline) while interacting with residents to conduct both community service and independent research projects. Research projects may focus on heavy metal pollution from gold mining, conventional versus organic farming practices, public health and policy, or the cultural roles of women. A variety of other projects are available in environmental, agricultural, or community sustainability.
 
BI 101 Explorations in Biology
A course for non-science majors designed to provide an understanding of selected fundamental biological principles and processes.
 
BI 125 Cell and Molecular Biology
An investigation of the fundamental properties of cells. Topics include cell structure and function, energetics and metabolism, gene structure and expression, and the techniques used to study these phenomena. Designed for students who plan to major in biology or one of the natural sciences and/ or who are pre-health. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. 
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BI 299E Culture Club
Fermentation is an ancient and significant technology that allowed for the preservation of food long before we knew what caused food spoilage. As such, most cultures have a rich history of fermented foods. This course will explore that history and the process of fermentation through class discussions, student-initiated fermentation projects, and regional field trips to farms, dairies, and breweries/distilleries that put these ancient practices to use for the modern palate. We will also explore the possible health benefits of fermented foods. 
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BI 304 Microbiology
An introduction to basic and applied microbiology. Fundamentals of bacteriology, virology, and immunology are covered. Laboratory work includes basic, clinical, and diagnostic microbiology. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory, and one TBA laboratory per week.
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BI 405 Genetic Engineering
A molecular lab techniques course investigating the impact of genetic engineering in the biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on the techniques of gene cloning, editing, and analysis, and how these techniques are used as tools in basic research in cell biology, development, and evolution; and in applied research in agriculture, medicine, and industry. The social impact of genetic engineering is also discussed. Six hours of lecture/laboratory per week
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BI 474 Characterizing Our DNA Exceptions
Project CODE is a course based on the Characterizing Our DNA Exceptions (CODE) project developed at Hudson Alpha. This course is designed to introduce basic concepts, methods, and tools used in bioinformatics. Through the use of computational analyses, students will be able to determine the biological relevance of DNA changes, also known as variants. Topics will include but are not limited to basic biological concepts as they relate to genes, gene expression, gene mutations, and genetic diseases, databases, sequence alignment tools, homology searches, and protein-protein interaction. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and applying these concepts during independent research projects conducted.
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Mercer University (2008 - 2016)
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Introduction to Biology II (Bio 212)
Prerequisite: Bio 211 or Chm 222
Continues the introduction to the unifying principles of the biological sciences. Subjects include basic biochemistry, energy transfer, cell biology, physiology, genetics and the vertebrate immune system. A lecture, recitation, and laboratory course.
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Current Issues in Biology (Bio 250)
Prerequisite: Bio 211. Bio 212 highly recommended.
This seminar course is designed as an introduction to the scientific literature in the biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on the techniques and skills of reading and understanding primary literature, as well as the ability to present this information to an audience. 
 
Microbiology (Bio 303)
Prerequisite: Bio 212. Organic chemistry recommended.
A course in general microbiology covering activities and distinguishing characteristics of microorganisms, including viruses. Laboratory work deals with isolation, identification and cultivation of microorganisms, their metabolic activities, and responses to environmental factors. A lecture and laboratory course.
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Parasitology (Bio 382)
Prerequisite: Bio 212.
This course is an introduction to the ecology and evolution of parasitic and mutualistic relationships. Emphasis is placed on the core principles of these interactions using key examples from the natural world. A key theme in this course is how symbiotic interactions influence life as we now know it. 

 

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Interdisciplinary Courses

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Among Gods and Heroes (Gbk 101)
This course serves two objectives. First, it is the introductory course to The Great Books Program, which is signed to engage and confront the Western Tradition. Throughout the course, the foundational works of the ancient Greeks, including works by Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Thucydides, Hippocrates, and Plato provide the backdrop for exploring the notions of self and others that have preoccupied the Western Tradition. Second, this course is the first in a series of general education classes dedicated to integrative learning and writing instruction. Writing is one of the most successful means to critical thinking and learning. Instruction in writing, as a form of discovering, arranging, communicating, and refining ideas will be present throughout this course and will be fully integrated with the readings and discussion of the works.
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Infections and Inequality (Bio 390)
Mercer on Mission
This course investigates the interplay between poverty and infectious disease in developing countries (specifically HIV, TB, and malaria). Students will learn how the biology of these pathogens, combined with certain social and political environments, contributes to an unequal distribution of disease. Furthermore, this course explores the social and political differences leading to a lack of reliable health care on the African Continent. In spite of a tremendous wealth of natural resources, most countries in Africa remain impoverished with many people lacking the basic healthcare and sanitation that the industrialized world often takes for granted. Furthermore, A significant portion of this course takes place in Mozambique, where students participate in a service project of assessing chemical and/or microbial contaminants in the local water supply while developing strategies to address the problems of water contamination.
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Scientific Inquiry (Sci 105)
An introduction to the human activity of science in its broadest terms, including examples drawn from the natural, behavioral and social sciences. The course includes the investigation of the logical, empirical, and mathematical modes of thought that contribute to its endeavors; the type of knowledge obtainable with its application; the social, ethical, and political contexts of its practice; and the kinds of discourse used in its communication.
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