Dr. Christiansen is passionate about teaching, particularly undergraduate students. She is also committed to increasing diversity in geosciences, which is currently one of the least diverse STEM fields, by creating an inclusive, student-centered classroom environment. She has experience with a variety of courses and has been formally trained in pedagogy.
Courses at UMKC
CHEM 388 / 5588, Environmental Chemisty II. This course delves in-depth into relevant environmental chemistry topics, including climate change and geoengineering, atmospheric chemistry, toxic waste, and pollutants of emerging concern. It focuses on fostering a more complete understanding of how the various spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere) interact with each other, and how chemistry influences our understanding of environmental issues.
CHEM 387 / 5587, Environmental Chemistry I. This course covers introductory topics in environmental chemistry including atmospheric chemistry, aquatic chemistry, and toxics. It focuses on the the chemical aspects of human interaction with the environment, and how chemistry is intertwined in environmental policies and regulations.
Past Courses
Chem 1X at UCI, General Chemistry Plus. This course is a co-enrollment course with the first quarter of General Chemistry (Chem 1A) and offers supplementary chemistry and math material to assist students whose SAT, ACT, or AP scores would not otherwise allow them to enroll in Chem 1A.
Pedagogical Training
Mobile Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching: Summer intensive course at the University of Montana on evidence-based practices to create inclusive, student-centered learning experiences and improve outcomes.
UNI STU 390X: Developing Teaching Excellence: Quarter-long course offered through the University of California, Irvine, for graduate students to learn fundamental pedagogical research and develop effective teaching practices.
University of California, Irvine, Course Design Certificate: Earned with design of a course syllabus, including all readings, exercises, and exams.
University of California, Irvine, Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning Associate Level: 12 hours of evidence-based teaching training; 3 hours of training in Learning through Diversity; 3 hours of training in Teaching as Research; participation in one quarter of a learning community that meets weekly.