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Heather Gerth
I am passionate about ecology, birds, and getting students outside observing and studying the natural world! I am a scientist with experience in field ecology research and publications in peer-reviewed ecology journals. I've conducted research in Costa Rica, Teton Mountain National Park, the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and in the Midwest. Most of my research has focused on birds and landscape ecology. I am also an effective environmental educator and naturalist with over 20 years of experience teaching students of all ages.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that students learn science best through active participation. I like to incorporate participation in citizen science projects and/or engagement with one or more parts of the scientific method.
I believe that each student is a valuable member of the learning community in my class. I strive to include all students and offer several different methods for classroom participation (verbal, chat, etc...). I encourage students to participate in whatever way is comfortable for them.
I believe that online classes can be a launchpad for nature exploration and field ecology research. My role as an online ecology teacher is to inspire students to get outside and to equip them with the lifelong skills they need to continue learning about the natural world around them.
I believe that an appreciation and understanding of ecology will equip your students to be thoughtful, caring, hopeful, and active global citizens who value environmental sustainability
Credentials
I have two master’s degrees. In 2011 I completed an M.S. in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. My thesis was focused on the effects of climate and exurban development on Southern Appalachian avian communities. In 2013 I completed another M.S. in Natural Resources with Emphasis in Residential Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point. While earning this degree I took several courses in education, curriculum design, and natural resource interpretation. For my graduate project, I used qualitative research methods to identify best practices for nature centers to use to engage 6-12 grade students in field ecology research. Now I use my research results to help students do field ecology research! My B.S. in Environmental Biology was completed in 2007 at Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN. I have also completed the following professional certifications or licensures: Naturalist Certificate through Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation, Land Ethic Leader through The Aldo Leopold Foundation, and Bird Banding Sub Permit through the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory.
Peer-reviewed Publications
Lumpkin*, H. A. and S. M. Pearson. 2013. Effects of exurban development and climate on bird species in the Southern Appalachians, Conservation Biology 27:1069-1078.
Lumpkin*, H. A., S. M. Pearson, and M. G. Turner. 2012. Effects of climate and exurban development on nest predation and predator presence in the Southern Appalachian Mountains (U.S.A), Conservation Biology 26:679-688.
Lumpkin*, H. A. and W. A. Boyle. 2009. Effects of forest age on fruit composition and removal in tropical bird-dispersed understorey trees, Journal of Tropical Ecology 25:515-522.
*Last name changed from Lumpkin to Gerth in July 2016
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