Marja Bakermans

I possess a strong commitment to student education, and a goal of mine is to stimulate students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Recently, students and I have been on a journey to open classroom content and discussions in an interdisciplinary and inclusive way. Students are challenged to rethink their role as active knowledge producers beyond the class as students become co-authors of open educational resources. For example, students are co-authors of multiple texts, like Extinction Stories and Climate Lessons. More examples include educational resources like lesson plans on the restoration of red wolf populations ( doi:10.25334/1X6V-F106 , featured on QUBES) and soil science in your backyard (https://www.oercommons.org/courses/restoration-ecology-soil-science-in-your-backyard on OER Commons). 

The goal of my research program is to promote the conservation of biodiversity by maintaining viable wildlife populations across the landscape. Specifically, my research addresses the influence of anthropogenic disturbances, like forest management, urbanization, and agriculture, on wildlife. It is my goal to open students' eyes to the interconnected world of science by using my research as an example of how to assimilate science and the role of conservation in today's world. Ultimately, it is my goal to provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment that fosters the learning process for students and allows us all to be lifelong learners.