Teaching

BIOL 262 “Ecological Physiology”, Carleton College, 2022

This course examines the physiological adaptations that allow species to inhabit a wide range of environments including polar regions, deserts, high alpine, the deep sea, and wave-swept coastal habitats. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how organisms cope with environmental extremes (e.g., temperature, low oxygen, pH, salinity and pressure) and in using metabolic theory to predict the ecological impacts of climate change (e.g., global warming, ocean acidification, hypoxia). Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of physiological concepts in living organisms.

BIOL 360 “Marine Climate Change Seminar”, Carleton College, 2021, 2022

Marine climate change comprises rising temperatures, increases in the frequency and severity of hypoxia, and ocean acidification. Together, these environmental variables can have profound effects on marine life. Or not. This course will focus upon the physiological capacities of various marine species to respond to changes in the ocean’s chemical and physical properties. Through discussions of the primary literature, we will explore the physiological mechanisms that will mark species as winners or losers of the anthropocene.

MSCI 398 “Caught! Implication of Capture Stress”, College of William and Mary, 2020

This course explores the implications of fisheries on the physiological stress response for marine and estuarine fishes. Students will learn about different types of fisheries, how fisheries are managed, and how scientists work to understand the impacts of capture and release on individuals and populations. The course will rely heavily on primary literature, and will culminate in student’s writing a proposal for a research project following NSF or NOAA guidelines.

MSCI 330 “Introduction to Marine Science”, Teaching Assistant, College of William & Mary, 2020

Students will learn the basics of biological, chemical, and physical oceanography with particular emphasis on the impacts of human activities on ocean processes. We will use a combination of lectures, group work, and required readings from peer-reviewed literature as well as news articles to tie together scientific principles and modern impacts. The course attempts values active learning through the use of in-class small group activities, and requires students to relate concepts from coastal and marine science to their other courses and lived experiences.

MSCI 331 “Field Studies in Coastal Marine Environments”, Teaching Assistant, College of William & Mary, 2018, 2019

Students will live at a remote field station in Wachapreague, VA for two weeks learning about the interactions of biological, chemical, and physical processes in a coastal ecosystem. The first week will involve daily field trips for data collection using a wide variety of methods, and the second week is comprised of a group project to quantify carbon flow in a tidal creek.

Gail’s Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers around three values: inclusion and equity, academic rigor, and personalized attention. I am actively committed to promoting healthy study habits and encourage my students to set goals for themselves both academically and personally (e.g., make space for others’ voices, practice self-care, etc.). I challenge students to think critically about links between the topic of the day and global issues such as climate change.

I firmly believe the best professors are those who never stop learning, and I hope to embody this belief by continuously seeking feedback from my students, peers, and mentors on how to improve my teaching and mentoring abilities.