Math & Science Graduate Fellows in K-12 Education

Fellow: Jami Sloan, M.S. graduate fellow in Integrated Biosciences
Teacher: Jon Anderson, Denfeld High School, 10-11th grade Biology & Chemistry

I received my BS in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). During this time I worked closely with the National Marine Fisheries Service, evaluating the change in diversity and species abundance in lobster trap catches. Following graduation, I worked as a fisheries technician for Purdue University assisting with an assessment of the lake sturgeon populations in the lower Kalamazoo River. I then went to the Dolphin Research Center (DRC) where I assisted with behavioral observations and cognitive research sessions involving bottlenose dolphins and sea lions. Before beginning graduate school at UMD, I worked as a Marine Mammal Observer in the Gulf of Mexico, monitoring marine mammals and sea turtles to ensure adherence to ecological guidelines. I am currently working on my master’s degree in Dr. Allen Mensinger’s lab at UMD. My research involves the use of classical conditioning, to a sound stimulus, in order to attract a population of free swimming carp (Cyprinus carpio)into a designated area for subsequent removal.

While working in the classroom this year I hope to encourage the students to explore, learn and succeed in the field of science. I also hope to enrich the students with my knowledge and experience in marine and freshwater biology.

I have been in the classroom since school began and have since been able to assist with labs, group work and have presented a few lessons. During the time students learned about the scientific process, I was able discuss how I have used this method in some of the research projects I have been involved with. More recently I presented a lesson on fish taxonomy. My interest lies in this area, therefore I was excited to bring this information into the classroom and share with them my experience. I was able to set-up multiple fish aquariums and bring in various fish. The students were then asked to correctly identify each of the fish species using a dichotomous key. Throughout the school year, I plan to continue to integrate classroom education with hands-on techniques involving the environment and organisms that surround the students.

Teams in Action

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Curriculum