Looking for an informal, inexpensive, educational activity this summer? Look no further! Join Erich Eberts, PhD, on a 6 week scientific journey through the topic that excites you most! During my und... ergrad studies, my research experiences in labs, field courses, and independent studies were what particularly excited me about learning about biology. So, after I graduated, I gained a research fellowship in which I directed individual undergraduate research projects, and developed a study that used thermal cameras to monitor nesting hummingbirds. That led me to do a PhD where I got way more experience working with undergrads in the lab and field while I developed as a scientist myself. Notably, for the past three years, I have worked with a high school student who recently presented her work at a major academic conference, and is currently writing up to be submitted for publication. For a blossoming scientist, I think research is the best way to develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring your creativity and passions! So, I am excited to offer this informal course to give students a taste of how science helps us understand the world we live in, and to excite them about learning about nature! With my guidance, you will identify a question that genuinely excites you, briefly explore published literature on that topic, design your own study to address a specific hypothesis, perform data collection and statistical analysis, and finally tell your story in a poster presentation, slideshow presentation, and/ or written essay. Research topics are totally up to the student’s interests and what is accessible in their environment. I think independent research project mentoring is the most fulfilling and exciting form of teaching, so I am super excited for this opportunity to introduce young scientists to the basics of biological research in an engaging, tailored, informal, and fun course! Please contact me for more information including a course syllabus! read more

I am a PhD biologist and academic coach with a passion for sharing my knowledge of and wonder for the natural world with students and fellow nature-enthusiasts. I have extensive experience guiding hig... h school and undergraduate students in biology, independent research, and writing. I have mentored and taught hundreds students in all different subjects of biology, including ecology, animal physiology, animal behavior, earth and environmental sciences, field courses, evolution, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology. I aim to excite students about what we KNOW about nature, actually HOW we know what we know, and what still remains a mystery. I do this by discussing stories about the life history of organisms and the environments they live in, and by using real-world examples of how science is constantly expanding and evolving our understanding of the complex world we live in! I think research is one of the best ways to become fascinated by the natural world while developing critical thinking, project management, and communication skills. I invite you to join me on a scientific journey, on which you will identify a question that excites you, briefly explore published literature on that topic, design your own study to address a specific hypothesis, perform data collection and statistical analysis, and finally tell your story in a poster presentation, slideshow presentation, and/or written essay. I have also mentored countless of students on various forms of writing (including college essays, short-form assignments, and research papers). I teach that good writing is about finding the sweet spot where the big picture and specific points supporting that big picture are balanced and complementary. The most basic piece of advice I give my students (and myself) is to tell a story, and most of the time that quickly turns a would-be daunting assignment into a fun and fruitful exercise!read more