ENV 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science
During Summer 2019, I taught my first "express" course, where I met in person with students 4 days a week, 2 hours a day. This set-up allowed for multiple field trips including a local nature park, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, and the Recycling Center. Since I had materials prepared from teaching full length semesters of Environmental Science in the past, I was able to create a course packet for us to work through during our lecture periods. These course materials are available to be used and modified by individual professors for free at fosteringinquiry.com
NRES/GEOG 400 - International Issues in Water Development
NRES/BIOL 421 - Conservation Biology
"There are 4 main student outcomes for Conservation Biology at UNR:
1. Explain the threats to biological diversity and consequences of biodiversity loss
2. Demonstrate how ecological, evolutionary, and ethical principles apply to conservation problems
3. Discuss relevant policy and law as it relates to the conservation of biological diversity
4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in assessment, analysis, and synthesis of conservation issues through
effective written and verbal communication
This is a large course with over 80 students, so this course mostly functions as a lecture series. However, with small group discussions in class and writing assignments at home, we are able to address the different viewpoints that go into making ethical decisions such as the lethal removal of animals, management of disease spread, and maintenance of human created habitats like the Salton Sea. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis moved us online before spring break. If you want more information on that transition or course materials, I am posting them here: https://www.fosteringinquiry.com/conservation-biology
Here are a few anonymous student reviews about the course:
"Overall, professor Miles did an outstanding job of teaching the class and I thought it was very beneficial that she held in-class activities to engage the class."
"Professor Miles' teaching was great! Clearly Professor Miles is knowledgeable about the subject and she was readily available for questions."
"Danielle was very thorough and enthusiastic in her lectures. I enjoyed sitting in them and the level of participation was high and all of he overall content was very interesting."
"The instructor has a clear understanding of the subject, has done her research and is educated on the latest scientific research. Her delivery of the material is also great, she is very well spoken."
"The course was very well structured as it touched on many areas of conservation biology while allowing students to learn about certain aspects of each topic."
1. Explain the threats to biological diversity and consequences of biodiversity loss
2. Demonstrate how ecological, evolutionary, and ethical principles apply to conservation problems
3. Discuss relevant policy and law as it relates to the conservation of biological diversity
4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in assessment, analysis, and synthesis of conservation issues through
effective written and verbal communication
This is a large course with over 80 students, so this course mostly functions as a lecture series. However, with small group discussions in class and writing assignments at home, we are able to address the different viewpoints that go into making ethical decisions such as the lethal removal of animals, management of disease spread, and maintenance of human created habitats like the Salton Sea. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis moved us online before spring break. If you want more information on that transition or course materials, I am posting them here: https://www.fosteringinquiry.com/conservation-biology
Here are a few anonymous student reviews about the course:
"Overall, professor Miles did an outstanding job of teaching the class and I thought it was very beneficial that she held in-class activities to engage the class."
"Professor Miles' teaching was great! Clearly Professor Miles is knowledgeable about the subject and she was readily available for questions."
"Danielle was very thorough and enthusiastic in her lectures. I enjoyed sitting in them and the level of participation was high and all of he overall content was very interesting."
"The instructor has a clear understanding of the subject, has done her research and is educated on the latest scientific research. Her delivery of the material is also great, she is very well spoken."
"The course was very well structured as it touched on many areas of conservation biology while allowing students to learn about certain aspects of each topic."
On-site Supervisor for Internship Credits
Students who are ambitious and driven to take on a new skill can be a part of my on-going research. These opportunities are mutually beneficial as working with students increases the amount and rate of data processing and analysis while providing students with meaningful ways to improve their confidence and abilities as a scientist. Credits that I have supervised at UNR are NRES 416 – Internship, ENV 290 – Internship in Environmental Studies, and NRES 480 – Independent Study. If you want to learn more about these opportunities to join the project, please visit my mentorship page. I encourage students to take on projects of their own based off of topics they are most passionate about.
