TEACHING
Teaching was the motivation behind my pursuit of a PhD and career in science.
Teaching is of supreme importance to the advancement of science; through teaching we train the scientists of tomorrow and communicate the findings of our endeavors to society at large. As an educator at the University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz medical campus (AMC), I actively participate in the training of scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. Students on the CU AMC learn the fundamentals of basic science and how it translates into scientific interrogation, diagnostics, and clinical practice within the classrooms and lecture halls where I teach.
CU School of Medicine
Immunology
Content Director. 2020-current
Years 1 - 4
see below for details
CU Graduate School
Course Director. 2021-current
MIMS7530. Introduction to Immunology
Course Director. 2026-current
MIMS6062. Introduction to Science Communication
CU Child Health Advocate/
Physician Assistant Program
Immunology
Content Director. 2018-current
Year 1 and Year 2
see below for details
CU School of Dental Medicine
Course Director. 2019-2024
DSBS5511. Invaders & Protectors
Year 1
see below for details
CU Denver
University Honors & Leadership Program
Course Director. 2015-2021
UNHL4820 Scientific Thinking
Focused on the intensive analysis of literature from across the sciences to develop essential critical thinking, content integration, and analysis skills
CU Human Immunology &
Immunotherapy Initiative (HI3)
Fun-Size Immunology Workshop
A full serving of the foundational concepts in human immunology and immunotherapy in a 'fun-size' 2.5-day workshop
TEACHING AWARDS
2026. CU Child Health Advocate/Physician Assistant 'Guest Lecture' Teaching Award, School of Medicine
First-year PA students select one 'guest lecturer' per year at the end of the academic year to receive the award.
2024. CU Chancellor's Teaching Recognition Award, School of Medicine
Winners are named by the school- or college-wide student governance groups and a committee in each school/college selects the winner; one award (of 1000+ faculty) is given at the May commencement ceremony each year.
2023. CU School of Medicine S.T.A.R.ling Award
'Students Thanking and Recognizing' (S.T.A.R.)ling Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, selected by the Class of 2027 medical students at the end of their first block, Foundational Principles. The STARling Award represents 1 individual block; only 1 award is given at the end of each block.
2023. CU School of Medicine STAR Award
'Students Thanking and Recognizing' (S.T.A.R.) Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, selected by the Class of 2026 medical students at the end of their first-year (AY2022/2023). The STAR Award represents the entire first year; three awards (of 100+ faculty) are given at the end of the first year.
2014. CU Denver College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Non-Tenure Faculty Teaching Award
2011. CU Denver College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Non-Tenure Faculty Teaching Award
COURSES & WORKSHOPS
CU School of Medicine
YEAR 1. The 'Plains'
IDPT5016 Foundational Principles
Cells, Organs, and Microenvironments of the Immune System
Introduction to Innate Immunity and Inflammation
Integration of Immunology & Microbiology. Host-Pathogen Interaction
Introduction to the Complement System
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). Antigen Processing & Presentation
T cells. Development, Maturation & Activation
Immune Response to Cancer
B cells. Development, Maturation & Activation
Antibody Structure & Function
Type I-III Hypersensitivities (antibody-mediated)
Overview of Immunology in the context of Myasthenia Gravis
IDPT5017 Hematologic & Lymphatic Systems
Vaccines. Formulations and Immune Response
Immune Response to Tumors. Immunotherapy
Immune Diagnostics. Interrogation of the Immune System
Immunodeficiency Schema
Team-Based Learning. Use and Interpretation of Lab Studies for Diagnosis of Immunodeficiency
Immunodeficiency Case. Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (LAD)
Immunodeficiency Case. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID)
Immunodeficiency Case. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
IDPT5018 Gastrointestinal System
Overview of Mucosal Immunity and Oral Tolerance
Immunopathogenesis of GI. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Celiac Disease
IDPT5019 Pulmonary & Cardiovascular Systems
Overview of Pulmonary Immune Defense
Asthma, Allergens & Anaphylaxis (Oh My!)
Overview of Autoimmune Lung Disease
IDPT5021 Renal & Urinary Systems
Immunology of Renal Disease
Introduction to Transplantation
IDPT5022 Nervous System
Inflammatory Neuropathy with focus on Multiple Sclerosis and Guillian Barre' Syndrome
IDPT5023 Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Systems
Overview of Rheumatology
Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Arthritis with focus on Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Vasculitis, and Gout
IDPT5025 Endocrine & Metabolic Systems
Overview of Thyroid Dysfunction with focus on Grave's Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Immunopathogenesis of Type I Diabetes (T1D)
IDPT5026 Reproductive System & Life Cycles
Immune System During Pregnancy and Development
Vaccines Across the Lifespan
YEAR 3. The 'Alpine Summit'
IDPT8039 Advanced Sciences Immunology & Immunotherapy
Vaccines and Communication Strategies
Solid Tumors, Immune Checkpoint Blockade, and Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAE)
Liquid Tumors, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, and Immune Related Adverse Events (irAE)
Overview of Atopic Conditions and the Biologics of Atopic Conditions
Clinical Pathological Conference. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
CU Child Health Advocate / Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) Program
YEAR 1.
Summer Immersion. Immunology & Microbiology
Introduction to Immunology
Introduction to Microbiology
Introduction to Inflammation. Host-Pathogen Interaction
Introduction to Common Pathogens. Host-Pathogen Interaction
Academic Year. Immunology
Innate Immunity and Complement
Adaptive Immunity. B cells and Antibody
Adaptive Immunity. MHC, T cells, and Transplantation
Pathogenesis of Viruses and Cancer
Overview of Vaccine Formulations and Immune Response
YEAR 2.
Academic Year. Immunology
Overview of Types I-IV Hypersensitivities
Introduction to Immunodeficiency Disorders, including HIV and AIDS
Inflammatory Cascades in the Context of Rheumatologic Conditions
CU School of Dental Medicine
YEAR 1.
DSBS5511. Invaders & Protectors (Microbiology & Immunology)
This course covers basic principles of general and medical microbiology with emphasis on oral microorganisms while integrating the response of the immune system to fight these invaders. Topics covered include those listed below:
- Overview of the Immune System and Relevance to the Practice of Dental Medicine
- Integration of Immunology and Microbiology. Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Cells, Organs, and Microenvironments of the Immune System
- Introduction to Innate Immunity, Inflammation, and the Complement System
- Adaptive Immunity. B cells and Antibody
- Adaptive Immunity. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and T cells
- Introduction to Transplantation
- Mucosal Immunity and Oral Tolerance
- Introduction to Periodontal Disease
- Types I-IV Hypersensitivities
- Tolerance & Autoimmunity
- Immunodeficiency Disease. Inherited and Acquired
- Cancer, the Immune System, and Immunotherapy
- Vaccines. Formulations and the Immune Response
- Science Communication. Best Practices for Science Communication and Trusted Patient Relationships
CU Graduate School
MIMS6062. Introduction to Science Communication
This introductory course in science communication is designed to introduce the skills to effectively convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including the public, policymakers, and fellow scientists from different fields. Through a combination of brief lectures, in-class activities and practical assignments, students will learn key principles of clear and accurate scientific communication, the ethics of public science discourse, and strategies for engaging written, media and digital platforms. Emphasis is placed on adapting messages for different target audiences, crafting compelling narratives, and developing visual aids. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to communicate their research effectively across a range of platforms.
MIMS7530. Introduction to Immunology
This course is an introductory immunology course designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of immunology. This class is intended to introduce students who already have some background in general biology and cell biology to the study of the immune system. Topics covered include those listed below:
- Cells, Organs, and Microenvironments of the Immune System
- Innate Immunity, Inflammation, and the Complement System
- Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and Antigen Processing & Presentation
- T cell Development, Activation, and Effector Functions
- Antibody Structure & Function
- B cell Development, Activation and Differentiation
- Antigen Receptor Signaling (BCR and TCR)
- Type I-IV Hypersensitivities
- Immune Response to Cancer & Immunotherapy
- Autoimmunity & Tolerance
- Vaccines and the Immune Response
Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative (HI3) Fun-Size Workshop
A full serving of immunology in a 2.5-day 'fun-size' package
CU Denver University Honors & Leadership Program
UNHL4820. Scientific Thinking
Intensive analysis of primary and secondary literature from across the sciences designed to develop the critical thinking, content integration, and analysis skills necessary to be successful throughout academic endeavors and professional careers. Through reading, group work, oral and written presentations, and class discussion students expand their understanding and appreciation of the scientific method and develop the ability to critically analyze and evaluate experimental design in the scientific and social contexts.
