TEACHING EXPERIENCE
My teaching objectives are for my students to learn fundamental geoscience content and to develop their computational, writing, and critical thinking skills. In addition, I aim to help my students function as successful geologists or, in the case of non-majors, help them understand how geology affects society.
- All
- Graduate Courses
- Undergraduate Courses
Fall 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, [2020]
This course is geared towards introducing students to minerals, mineral study techniques, igneous and metamorphic rocks, ore deposits, and ore formation processes. Minerals are the fundamental building blocks of all rocks, and consequently, the Earth and other planets. Mineralogy combines elements of physics, chemistry, math, and geology and is a descriptive, analytical, and experimental science. Mineralogists try to understand the physical properties, chemical composition, crystal structure, occurrence, and distribution of minerals, and the physical and chemical processes that lead to the formation and destruction of minerals in nature.
Lab Manual, I developed for the course: GEO 416K Earth Materials Lab Guide | Higher Education (kendallhunt.com)
[year] = made major adjustments to teaching during COVID
Fall 2019, [2020], [2021], 2022, 2023
Spring 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
The goal of this course is to increase the student’s understanding of the geology of the US National Park System, through the detailed examination of its rocks, landscapes, climate, hydrology, natural resources, and environmental impacts. They develop an understanding of the geology of particular national parks, carefully chosen as providing examples of specific Earth processes that worked to shape them.
Example of student work: Air Quality in the National Parks: Outcome of a Citizen Science Course Project Air Quality in the National Parks: Outcome of a Citizen Science Course Project Outcomes (utexas.edu)
[year] = made major adjustments to teaching during COVID
Spring 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, [2020] Summer 2017
This course is one of the first required for undergraduates seeking to major in any of the many degrees in the Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. I give a series of lectures that familiarize the student with the processes and materials that shape the Earth and enable them to be more knowledgeable about the environment in which they live. The laboratory course allows students to apply the lecture material to real geologic problems.
Lab Manual, I developed for the course: Product Details – Physical Geology Laboratory | Great River Learning
[year] = made major adjustments to teaching during COVID
This course is designed as an entry-level course in the field of geosciences, tailored specifically for students who are not majoring in geology or related disciplines. The course provides a comprehensive overview of various geological principles, processes, and phenomena, with an emphasis on making the subject matter accessible and engaging to non-specialists. Hands-on activities provide students with direct experience in observing geological features and processes in the field.
This exciting course is designed to introduce students to the captivating world of gems and gem minerals. It provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to gems, including the history of gemstones, their formation, properties, identification, and uses in jewelry and other applications. Additionally, the course offers hands-on activities where students learn the art of faceting and cabochoning. The course combines scientific knowledge with practical skills in gemstone identification and craftsmanship. Whether students are interested in pursuing careers in gemology, jewelry making, or simply have a passion for gemstones, this course provides a solid foundation for further exploration and skill development in the field.
Fall 2011, 2013
The Middle East has been singled out as one of the most crucial regional arenas for U.S. foreign policy in the coming years. The region, defined in this course as encompassing western Asia and North Africa, has long been known for its prolific energy resources. The region has been a breeding ground for the development of models of continental extrusion, rifting and extension, and collisional dynamics, and more recent issues such as ecoterrorism and global warming. This course’s primary focus is developing a student’s knowledge of its geology. I have taught this class at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with the basic aims to improve the student’s understanding of the geology and tectonics of particular regions of the Middle East.
The International Learning Seminar is a unique course designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in international study and fieldwork experiences, particularly in the context of geosciences. The course aims to prepare students for study abroad programs while also introducing them to resources available at UT Austin related to travel and cultural understanding. Recognizing the importance of cultural competence in international settings, the seminar covers fundamental concepts related to culture and intercultural communication. In addition to focusing on general study abroad preparation, the seminar specifically addresses the unique challenges and opportunities associated with conducting geological fieldwork in international locations.
Spring 2015, 2017
The course covers key aspects of metamorphic rocks and processes from a range of environments, including subduction zones, collisional and extensional mountain belts, deep crust, and contact metamorphic settings. The course has a field-based focus in terms of working with and examining rocks from type localities. I aim to increase the student’s practical understanding of how metamorphic petrology is applied to understanding tectonic questions.
Spring [2021]
This course covers scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), methods of sample preparation, and hands-on-practices with both hardware and software. Also included are energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) and wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS) of characteristic X-rays, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and cathodoluminescence (CL). By the end of the course, the student should be familiar with the operation of the SEM and electron microprobe instruments housed in the Dept. of Geological Sciences.
[year] = made major adjustments to teaching during COVID
This course delves into the intersection of thermodynamics and petrology, applying fundamental principles of thermodynamics to understand the behavior of Earth materials and processes. By the end of the course, students emerge with a deep understanding of thermodynamics as applied to petrological systems, equipped with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to investigate and interpret a wide range of geological phenomena. This interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between thermodynamics and Earth sciences, providing students with a valuable perspective on the behavior of Earth materials and processes.
Teaching Microstructures and Rock Rheology offers an opportunity to explore the intricate details of rock deformation and the structural characteristics that underpin it. The course explores of microstructural features found in rocks, including textures, fabric, and mineral assemblages. Students learn how to observe and interpret these microstructures using various microscopy techniques such as optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence, electron backscattered diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Students are also introduced to the principles of rock rheology, which is the study of how rocks deform under stress. This includes understanding the mechanical properties of rocks, such as elasticity, viscosity, and strength, and the factors that influence their deformation behavior. By the end of the course, students emerge with a comprehensive understanding of microstructures and rock rheology, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and interpret the deformation history of rocks and its implications for Earth’s dynamic processes. This knowledge is invaluable for careers in geology, geophysics, structural geology, and related fields.
Spring 2011, 2012
The Middle East has been singled out as one of the most crucial regional arenas for U.S. foreign policy in the coming years. The region, defined in this course as encompassing western Asia and North Africa, has long been known for its prolific energy resources. The region has been a breeding ground for the development of models of continental extrusion, rifting and extension, and collisional dynamics, and more recent issues such as ecoterrorism and global warming. This course’s primary focus is developing a student’s knowledge of its geology. I have taught this class at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with the basic aims to improve the student’s understanding of the geology and tectonics of particular regions of the Middle East.
This introductory on-line course focuses on basic concepts and various aspects of geology. This course covers plate tectonics, earthquakes, the internal structure of the Earth, surface processes, volcanism, modification of rocks and oceans, and climate change. Examples are introduced to demonstrate how geosciences affects our daily lives. As an online course, multiple types of teaching materials (movie clips and daily news on Earth Sciences) are used to convey course learning objectives and topics.
This course provided an opportunity to delve into the intricate details of rocks and minerals. Students emerge with a comprehensive understanding of petrography and its applications in geological engineering. The course covers the classification, occurrence, and significance of common rock-forming minerals, including silicates, carbonates, sulfides, and oxides. Students learn to recognize these minerals in thin section and understand their geological significance. They develop proficiency in optical mineralogy, petrographic analysis, and thin section interpretation, equipping them with valuable skills for future studies and careers in the field of geological engineering.
This seminar course was taught to first-year Geological Engineering students who are introduced to their new major. Students learn about key geological processes such as weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and tectonics, as well as the properties and behavior of Earth materials including rocks, minerals, soils, and groundwater. Students explore various geological hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and floods, and learn how to assess and mitigate their impact on engineering projects and human settlements. The course was taught in a seminar-style format on selected topics in geological engineering.
Teaching Mineralogy at METU provided students with a foundational understanding of minerals, their properties, and their significance in geological processes. The course begins with an introduction to the field of mineralogy, emphasizing the importance of minerals in understanding Earth’s composition, history, and processes. Students learn about the basic principles of mineral classification, crystallography, and mineral identification techniques. By the end of the course, students emerge with a solid understanding of mineralogy and its applications in geological sciences and related fields. They develop proficiency in mineral identification, classification, and interpretation, equipping them with valuable skills for future studies and careers in geology, geochemistry, mineral exploration, and other disciplines.