Several ETSU math and science faculty as well as other resource individuals provided special learning sessions that enhanced and enriched the classroom studies. All of the ETSU faculty provided "experimental design" sessions in which they shared their research and the experimental design they used to carry out the research. These sessions provide excellent background information for students as they design and carry out their own research projects. The students will also experience an array of off-campus trips ranging from studies at the Gray Fossil Site to the the Carter Family Fold & Museum. The individuals who lead these sessions are also included. A brief bio for each of these individuals is provided below in the Bio section.
Primary Instructors
|
|
Dr. Anant P. Godbole |
Anant Godbole is a professional mathematician and mathematics educator. He has held positions at Michigan Technological University, University of California (Santa Barbara and Berkeley), and The Johns Hopkins University. He has been Department Chair and Associate Dean at various stages in his career, and looks forward to leading the Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education in the years to come. Anant has written over 100 professional papers, and been awarded around $8M in grant funding, mainly through the national Science Foundation. He runs a nationally recognized REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program. More information can be found on his website http://faculty.etsu.edu/godbolea , on his CV. He may be contacted at 423-439-7589 or godbolea@etsu.edu http://faculty.etsu.edu/godbolea/dec2012vita.pdf , and at the REU page https://www.etsu.edu/cas/math/activities/reu.aspx |
|
|
|
Dr. Karl Joplin |
Karl Joplin is an Associate Professor in the department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). He received his BS from the University of Washington, his MS in Entomology and his Ph.D. in the Molecular. Cellular and Developmental Biology program at the Ohio State University. He did postdoctoral research at OSU before joining the faculty at ETSU. Karl's undergraduate instructional experience is at a primarily undergraduate institution and includes 1) non-majors biology, 2) General Biology for Majors I and II, 3) General Entomology, 4) Recombinant DNA Laboratory, 5) Evolution, and 6) Honors Great Ideas in Science. His research interests involve Molecular and Physiological Aspects of Diapause in insects, Respiratory Physiology during insect development, and developmental and environmental effects on insect behavior. He has chaired 7 MS projects. He is currently the program director of a HHMI grant SYMBIOSIS: An Introductory Integrated Mathematics and Biology Curriculum. This is a three semester introductory level course that gives the students credit for biology, statistics and calculus. |
|
|
|
Dr. Nicole Lewis |
Nicole is an Assistant Professor of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She received her BS degree in Mathematics from ETSU and her MS degree in Statistics from the University of Tennessee. She received her Ph.D. degree in Statistics from the University of South Carolina. Lewis' undergraduate instructional experience is at a primarily undergraduate institution, and includes 1) Probability and Statistics – Non-calculus, 2) Applications of Statistics. In addition, she has offered graduate courses in Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis. Her research interests are in applied statistics and proteomics. She has experience in Latex, Minitab, R, and SAS. |
|
|
|
Dr. Andrew Hugh Miller, III. |
Hugh Miller earned his bachelor degree in Microbiology from ETSU in 1979. In 1986 he earned a Ph. D. in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, he joined the faculty of the Biological Sciences Department in 1988. While at ETSU, Dr. Miller has mentored several undergraduates and graduate students. In addition, he has been involved with curriculum issues by serving on both the College and University Curriculum committees. During academic year 2005/2006, he served the department of Biological Sciences in the capacity of Interim Chair. Recently, he has been involved in several funded educational grants including the NSF funded ATE grant, NSF funded Talent Expansion in Quantitative Biology, and the HHMI funded Symbiosis grant. Also, he serves the department one of two undergraduate advisors. During the Governor's School, Dr. Miller was responsible for organizing and running the laboratory component of the Symbiosis course. He may be contacted at 423-439-6922 or millerh@etsu.edu . | |
|
|
Angela T. Haga |
Angela serves as the Assistant Director for the Tennessee Governor's School for Integration
of Biological & Statistical Sciences, the Executive Secretary for the Center of Excellence
in Mathematics and Science Education and the Public Relations Coordinator for the
ETSU Northeast Tennessee STEM Innovative Hub. She is a native of the Southwest Virginia area, and currently resides with her two daughters in Bristol, TN. Angela is a graduate of Honaker High School in Honaker, VA and brings many skills to her position. She has a wide array of work experience, including: office manager, executive secretary, executive administrative assistant, administrative assistant, rental car manager, substitute teacher, finance specialist, customer sales associate. Her hobbies include: crafting, interior decorating, gardening, reading, cooking, and tennis. Angela may be contacted at (423)439-7592 or haga@etsu.edu |
|
| Experimental Design Class Instructors | |||
|
|
Dr. Gary D. Henson |
Dr. Henson has been involved in astronomy research and education for over 25 years. As a research astronomer, he has studied Variable Stars using observatories in New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, and at ETSU. As an educator he has taught not only at the university level, but has contributed much to public outreach programs throughout his career. He currently serves as the director of both the ETSU Harry D. Powell Observatory and ETSU Planetarium and received the 2004 Distinguished Faculty Award for Service at ETSU. Dr. Henson is the Assistant Professor, ETSU Faculty since 1989, B.S. - University of Central Arkansas, M.S. - University of New Mexico, Ph.D. - University of Oregon (1989). Professional Interests: Visible & infrared photometry and polarimetry of variable stars. He may be contacted at 423-439-6906 or hensong@etsu.edu. | |
|
|
Dr. Thomas J. Jones |
Dr. Jones is currently working in the biological sciences department at East Tennessee State University and specialized in Behavioral Ecology, Neuroethology, and Science Education. In 1990 Dr. Jones received his B.S. in Biology from the Cleveland State University, and in 1993, he received his M.S. in Biology. In 2000, Dr. Jones received his Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology from the Ohio State University. Dr. Jones has a broad-based research program in the areas of animal behavior, ecology, population genetics, and neuroethology. Specifically, he is interested in the evolution of cooperation, sociality and dispersal strategies. He may be contacted at 423-439-6930 or jonestc@etsu.edu . | |
|
|
Dr. Diane Nelson |
Dr. Nelson is Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences at East Tennessee State University, having retired in May 2003 after 35 years of service. In 1993, she received the ETSU Distinguished Faculty Award, the university's highest award for combined achievements in teaching, research, and service. In April 2000 she was selected by the Association of Southeastern Biologists as the recipient of the Meritorious Teaching Award, the society's most prestigious award. Although she "officially" retired from ETSU, she continues to conduct research, teach workshops, and provide service to her profession. She teaches Marine Biology occasionally at ETSU and gives programs for the Johnson City Hands-On Museum as well as for numerous civic organizations, churches, and public schools in the Tri-Cities area. She is also Curator of Invertebrates and Science Education Consultant for the ETSU and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum at the Gray Fossil Site. She may be contacted at nelson@etsu.edu . | |
|
|
Dr. Edith Seier |
Dr. Seier is Professor Emerita of Mathematics/Statistics at East Tennessee State University. She received her Ph.D. in Statistics in 1998 from the University of Wyoming. Dr. Seier is currently teaching the following courses: Statistical Modeling, Applications of Statistics, Probability & Statistics (Algebra based), Probability & Statistics (Calculus based), and Time Series. Her areas of interest are: Kurtosis and variability, Statistical Consulting & Data Analysis, Teaching Statistics with an active learning approach, and Applications of Statistics to Biology, Public Health and Medicine. She may be contacted at 423-439-5812 or seier@etsu.edu | |
|
|
Dr. Chih-Che Tai |
Dr. Chih-Che Tai has served as the assistant director of the Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education and an assistant professor of science education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Tennessee State University since July 2009. Dr. Tai's academic activities include teaching science education content and method courses, developing and implementing grant proposals to improve math and science education at all levels, cooperating with STEM education faculty on grant proposals to improve math and science education, and assisting in the university's outreach and research efforts in math and science education. His research interests include investigating K-12 students' conceptual understanding of science, technology, engineering and technology, studying the application of technology to K-12 classrooms, investigating students' understanding of science in different countries or learning environments, and studying the learning of science in informal educational settings. He is currently serving a TN Race to the Top STEM PD project (PI) and a TN 2012 Improving Teacher Quality project (PI). He has implemented the Inquiry-, Standards-, Problem-, Technology-based instruction for K-5 in-service teachers and the pre-service middle teacher program at ETSU since 2009. Dr. Tai holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry from National Taiwan University Taiwan, is a certified chemistry and physics teacher in Taiwan and holds a Ph. D. degree in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has taught physics and chemistry in middle schools in Taiwan. |
|
| Field Trip Hosts | |||
|
|
Jennifer Bauer |
Mrs. Bauer was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She relocated to beautiful East Tennessee not long after graduating from high school. She soon became immersed in the beauty and the biology of the S. Appalachian Mountains and found herself wanting to learn all she could about this very diverse environment. East Tennessee State University is her alma mater, three times over, completing a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Art, followed by an MS in Science Education, and an MA in Teaching. Writing soon became a passion and she has now authored 4 books; A Naturalists' Teaching Manual; Roan Mountain: A Passage of Time 1st and 2nd Editions; and Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Wild Activities-Exploring S. Appalachia. Jennifer is also a frequent contributor to the Tennessee Conservationist magazine. She is employed as a Park Manager at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, beginning her career in the role of Park Interpretive Specialist at Roan Mountain State Park for 21 years prior to promotion. Of the utmost importance to her in her professional and personal life, is becoming a good environmental and cultural educator, coupled to a strong belief in the importance of conservation and preservation. She is in her 4th year of serving on the board of directors of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. The first weekend of May, each year, she directs and organizes the Roan Mountain Spring Naturalists Rally, 2009 being its 51st year. In her "spare" time, she finds herself weaving, learning the banjo, watercolor painting, clogging, and being outdoors as much as possible. Most importantly, she loves to spend as much time as possible with her two daughters, a 2 year old granddaughter, and her husband. She may be contacted at 423-543-5808 or jennifer.bauer@state.tn.us |
|
 |
John J. Carley |
John is responsible for managing the Snap-on Tools in Elizabethton, TN manufacturing facility with 400+ employees. Primary products produced are wrenches, ratchets, pry bars, punches, and chisels. Processes include hot forging, machining, heat treating, chrome plating, and assembly. He has worked for Snap-on Tools since September 2005. His former positions include, HNI Corporation, the HON Company and Hearth and Home Technologies. Jon is a graduate of Lindenwood University in 1991 with an MBA in Management and from Western Illinois University in 1989. He is a board member of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and President of the Elizabethton/Carter County Association for Business & Industry. He enjoys gold, racquetball, traveling and investing. He may be contacted at 423-543-5771 or 423-895-0835 or Jon.J.Carley@snapon.com |
|
 |
Bob Culler |
Mr. Culler is the Senior Naturalist at Bays Mountain State Park in Kingsport, TN. He was responsible for arranging our tour and scheduling the viewing of t the wolves and raptors habitats, he also arranged for the GS students to attend the Nature Program and viewing the area fauna and flora. He may be contacted at 423-229-9447 or bobculler@kingsporttn.gov | |
|
Mary Jane Greene |
Mary Jane Greene has been employed by Aerojet- Rocketdyne for 25 years. Over the course of her employment with Aerojet- Rocketdyne she has worked in many areas including Manufacturing, Quality, and Process Engineering; however, she has found her passion in working with people within the Human Resource Department. She currently holds the position of Human Resource Manager for the Tennessee facility. Mary Jane attended Northeast State Community College to complete general core classes and then transferred to Milligan College where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in December of 2002. She may be contacted at 423-753-1200 or MaryJane.Greene@Rocket.com | |
 |
Sherry Morelock |
Mrs. Morelock is the contact person for the Eastman Chemical Company-Eastman Laboratories in Kingsport, TN. She is the Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist and Global Community Affairs-Education. She had a vital role in arranging our field trip to the Eastman Laboratories. Sherry scheduled our visit to the Biotech Lab, the Polymer Synthesis Lab, and the Physical Testing Lab. She also arranged the bridge building contest, and lunch at the Eastman visitor center. She may be contacted at 423-229-5353 or sherryj@eastman.com |
|
 |
Dr. Mitchell Robinson |
Dr. Robinson is the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. He is currently Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine. He is a native of western North Carolina and holds a B.S. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. from Wake Forest University. As Associate Dean, he oversees admissions, curriculum and all academic activities in the M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs in the College of Medicine. Dr. Robinson is active in teaching a variety of subjects in both the graduate and medical curriculum including intermediary metabolism, lipid metabolism, biochemistry and scientific ethics. He currently serves as the course director for the Medical Biochemistry course taught to all first year medical students. He may be contacted at 423-439-2028 or robinson@etsu.edu . | |
