I enjoy teaching at KU and regularly teach courses ranging from introductory organismal biology to advanced systematics, macroevolution, and ichthyology. My courses emphasize organismal diversity, phylogenetic thinking, and the practical application of systematic methods. KU and outside instructors are welcome to use Traits Light in their courses, and I encourage instructors to contact me with reasonable feature requests that would make it more useful for teaching.

BIOL 648 – Systematics and Macroevolution (3 credits) [goal is to teach in every even fall]
Last taught Fall 2026

Course Description:
An introduction to the theory of macroevolution and the fundamental principles of systematics. Intended for students planning to pursue advanced studies in organismal biology, evolution, and/or systematics. Topics in macroevolution will include hierarchy theory, species concepts, speciation and species selection. Methods of phylogenetic estimation will be discussed and include parsimony, Maximum likelihood and Baysian inference. Evolutionary studies utilizing phylogenies including tests of homology, studies of character evolution, and biogeography will be discussed. An overview of classification and nomenclature will also be provided. Prerequisite: BIOL 412 or equivalent.

BIOL 592 – Ichthyology (4 credits) [goal is to teach in every even spring]
Last taught Spring 2026

Course Description:
A study of fishes. Lecture topics include the structure and adaptations of fishes to the aquatic environment and a survey of major fish groups with emphasis on their evolution and biogeography. Laboratory topics include a survey of fish diversity using specimens and the use of keys to identify fishes, with emphasis on the Kansas fish fauna. The course is offered at the 500 level. Prerequisite: BIOL 152 and/or BIOL 413.
Satisfies: Lab and Field Experiences (LFE)

BIOL 428 – Introduction to Systematics (3 credits) [goal is to teach in every odd spring]
Last taught Spring 2025

Course Description:
Basic elements of systematic theory and practice; phylogenetic reconstruction using morphological and molecular data; interpretation of phylogenetic hypotheses; principles of nomenclature and classification; evolutionary processes and patterns of species diversity; discussion of the aims and needs of taxonomy; species and speciation; construction of keys; significance of biological collections. Prerequisite: BIOL 152 or BIOL 153. Not intended for students with advanced systematics background.

BIOL 152/153 – Principles of Organismal Biology (3 credits) [currently out of rotation]
Last taught Spring 2023

Course Description:
A course for biology majors and students who plan to take additional courses in biology. This course covers basic elements of plant and animal morphology and physiology, principles of evolution, organismal diversity and phylogeny, population biology, population genetics, ecology, and behavior. Three hours of lecture per week. An honors section (BIOL 153) is offered for students with superior academic records. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in CHEM 130; CHEM 190 and CHEM 191; CHEM 150; or CHEM 170; or consent of instructor.
Satisfies: Goal 3 Natural Sciences (GE3N) , Lab and Field Experiences (LFE) , Natural and Physical Sci Lec (NLEC)

BIOL 701 – Topics, Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants (DDIG)  (2 credits) [discontinued after the National Science Foundation canceled the grant]
Last taught Fall 2014

Course Description:
This class was developed to assist doctoral candidates in preparation of NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant (DDIG) proposals.  We have sought involvement from EEB faculty with extensive recent experience in preparing and submitting successful regular NSF grants and DDIGs, with particular emphasis on faculty who have recently served on NSF panels.