Teaching
Social Aspects of Natural Resources
Course code: NRRT 330
Semester: Fall in-person, flipped; Spring online
Students engage with fundamental theory and approaches from conservation social science, including DEIJ, social-ecological systems, anthropology, governance, economics, psychology, and political ecology. These approaches are applied through case studies and examples from HDNR practice including collaborative conservation, non-profit administration, sustainable tourism, and conservation leadership. Students synthesize content through an independent final project and poster presentation. The course serves as the introduction to our HDNR degree program majors and as a college-level social science elective.
Data Science for Conservation Practice
Course code: NRRT 367
Designed and approved by UCC
In a mixed lecture/lab active classroom, students learn the importance of data and evidence in conservation science and practice, gain basic skills in R programming for data management and analysis, and build skills in data visualization and science communication. Students engage with concepts through real-world data examples and case studies, culminating in student-directed data acquisition and analysis projects presented through an evidence-based policy brief.
Leadership for Conservation Action
Course code: NRRT 475 (formerly NRRT 431)
Semester: Fall
Through this senior capstone experience, students refine knowledge and skills important for leading others to achieve positive outcomes in conservation and sustainability fields. Students apply leadership and social-ecological systems principles to analyze case study challenges. Students then design and communicate strategies to create positive change through collaborative projects, integrating leadership content together with DEI concepts and HDNR foundations. Capstone portfolios are designed to demonstrate a broad skillset in conservation analysis and communication, targeted at potential employers.