Courses taught:
Seminar: Cellular Stress Response (BISC 337, Wellesley College)
Course description: Maintaining cellular homeostasis in the face of environmental stress is paramount to cell survival. In this course we will examine the cellular and molecular responses of eukaryotic cells to stress at the levels of DNA, RNA, and protein, with consideration of organelle-specific responses. Topics will include heat shock, osmotic stress, hypoxia, starvation, and oxidative stress. This course focuses primarily on conserved and mammalian mechanisms activated in response to macromolecular strain, rather than stress responses unique to organisms adapted to environmental extremes. Throughout the course, we will discuss the evolution and conservation of the cellular stress response, connections to disease, as well as the challenges and future directions of the field. This course will consist of lectures, invited seminars from researchers in the field, and discussion of scientific reviews and primary articles. Articles will showcase classic stress response research as well as new findings and methods in the field. Cell Stress Response Syllabus.
Human Physiology (BISC 302, Wellesley College)
Course description: This course will provide foundational knowledge and conceptual understanding of human physiology by exploring the role our organ systems play in maintaining homeostasis of our internal environment. The course will primarily focus on 5 major systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, reproductive) plus the interaction between environmental extremes and these systems (environmental physiology). For each unit, we’ll read articles to dig deeper into classic discoveries and current research, as well as reviews and popular science articles to broaden our perspective on a given topic. Class time will consist primarily of lecture and discussion. In pairs, students will facilitate one of the class discussions. Individually, each student will give a presentation on a topic of interest to them at the end of the term. This course should be useful for pre-med, pre-vet, and pre-graduate students, and interesting for anyone with a body. Human Physiology Syllabus.