How I teach Conservation biology and Ecology. With students testimonials.
I teach conservation biology the way I practise it: Starting from a real problem, with all its messy components (stakeholders, lack of data and knowledge gaps). While working toward evidence-based answers. My Classroom runs on case studies, because abstract principles only stick once students have wrestled them onto a real decision framework.
I want students to leave, able to think critically, creatively and collectively about evidence. To weigh competing perspectives, and to see where they themselves might fit in the field. I lean on active learning, weekly reflections, and frequent feedback rather than one high-stakes exam. I treat each student as a person, not a seat, or a number.
Conservation Biology & Ecology
EBIO / ENVS 3040
University of Colorado Boulder
A top-five nationally ranked program
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
IN THEIR WORDS
SPRING 2026
He used the learnings he found from his research projects to teach us about conservation issues. I loved how he used case studies to show different approaches to conservation issues… one of the best professors I had and my favorite class in all of the ENVS program
RESEARCH INTO THE CLASSROOM
He connected a lot of what we were learning to local areas in Colorado, which was cool… It made me proud to see what my state was doing to conserve its wildlife. I would definitely take this class again.
REAL-WORLD & LOCAL
The in-class activities helped me develop skills and gain practice in the kind of work conservation biologists do, which has been helpful in piguring out if this is a field I would like to work in.
LEARNING BY DOING
He asks for student feedback actively in class, immediately considers the feedback, and collaborates with students.
A RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM
Student ratings, on a 1–5 ★ scale, from the same course evaluation. Higher rankings than CU Boulder teachers and other EBIO/ENVS courses:
★ 5.0
Connected learning to real-world issue
★ 4.95
Encouraged reflection on learning
★ 4.9
Fostered critical thinking
★ 4.95
Respected diverse points of view