Courses Taught at Umbra
Inquiry in the Natural World
Inquiry in the Natural World Laboratory
Credentials
St. Bonaventure University, BS in Physics 1991, St. Bonaventure University MS in Astrophysics 1993, University of Missouri, PhD in Physics specializing in Atmospheric Physics 1999.
Teaching Philosophy
We have all been on one side of the desk or the other. As an academic, do not forget what life was like before you became a teacher. And at the same time, try to develop your teaching methods to include what you felt was missing. Life is a learning process, so there is never an end point.
Advice for Umbra Students
The Umbra Institute is a fantastic resource in the green heart of Italy. Keep in mind you are part of the academic world but make sure to experience the real world too. Enjoy the atmosphere, the people, the food… and bringing comfortable shoes doesn’t hurt.
Favorite Teaching Moment
-Greeting my general science students at 6am for the bus to Florence and the History of Science museum. It was a long day, but the reaction after the tour was well worth it. It made science “real”.
Favorite Quotes
“There is no dark side of the moon really.
Matter of fact it’s all dark.” – Pink Floyd’s “Eclipse”