Assistant Professor of Practice

 

Contact Information:

Phone: 1 (806) 834-0236

Office: Faculty Office Building, Room 217

Email: stephanie.lockwood@ttu.edu

 

Degrees:

• Ph.D. Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX (2011)
  • Biology
• M.S. Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM (2006)
  • Zoology
• B.S. Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM (2003)
  • Major: Geology, Minor: Biology
• A.A.S. Community College of the Air Force (1998) 
  • Avionics Systems Technology

Web Links:

•  Biol 4300 Coral Reef Biology - Undergraduate Research Program 
•  Zool 3406 Invertebrate Zoology - Monarch Butterfly Lab
•  Biol 4305 Organic Evolution - Waco Mammoth Site Field Trip

 

Teaching/Research Interests

I love anything about invertebrates and the environments they live in. My previous research focused on the proteins found in the venom of red imported fire ants. Through that research I learned about the extreme importance of insects when it comes to transmission of many human diseases, as well as being major household pests. I have had my fair share of insect experiences, and I love that I get to weave these experiences into my courses. My courses include: Ecology, Tropical Marine Biology, Coral Reef Research, Invertebrate Zoology, Insect Diversity, Parasitology, and Medical Entomology. 

My research interests have lead me into the sport of diving. I am always working on furthering my skills and hope to soon be an assistant dive instructor. Currently I am an Advanced Open Water diver through Scuba Schools International with over 50 dives. I have dove in Cozumel, Mexico and Utila and Roatan, Honduras and can't wait to go diving again. I also love taking pics of underwater critters and students conducting research. 

 

Teaching Philosophy

Biological processes are all around us, yet some people hear the word "biology" and cringe. I want to make biology accessible and enjoyable to everyone, especially students who may not think they like biology. John Muir said, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks," and I want my students to feel the same way about my class. When students leave my class I want them to be able to critically think about the material and be able to apply the information now and in the future, but I also want students to develop academically and professionally. One approach I like for teaching of biology is to keep students active in the classroom while tying classroom learning to what is going on around us. I believe that if I relate everyday experiences with classroom materials, students are more likely to remember and recall concepts relating to fundamental ideas. With a general course framework, students can begin to understand, analyze, and apply course concepts and information. With a solid biological foundation students can evaluate scientific ideas and formulate their own points of view and make knowledgeable, healthy, and environmentally sound decisions.