I aim to maintain an inclusive learning environment where all students feel accepted, respected, and secure to take intellectual risks. I that believe actively fostering such a classroom is vital for student learning and success. I use the Socratic method of teaching to lead discussions through directed and carefully sequenced questions.
Teaching Assistant Experience
UO Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences: General Biology III: Populations (BI 213) lab sections; General Biology I: Cells (BI 211) lab sections; Honors Biology III: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology (BI 283H) lab sections
Teaching Awards
- Hill Fund Outstanding Graduate Teaching Fellow Award in Biology (2014-2015 academic year)
- University of Oregon Dan Kimble First Year Teaching Award (2014-2015 academic year)
“When asked questions, [Katja] answered in ways that help the student come up with the right answer themselves rather than just telling the student the answer. This helped me gain a deeper understanding of the material”
–Student Evaluation, Bio213:Populations
I believe that engaging in scientific discussion and education goes beyond the classroom. I am an active participant in Skype a Scientist and frequently engaged in public outreach through the ARCS Oregon Chapter. Notably, I participated as a keynote panelist in the 2018 Scholar Luncheon and filmed a follow-up Q&A video.
conflict genomics 