Biology Department

Professor & Chair of Biology
cgrobe@wsc.ma.edu
200 Wilson Hall
413-572-5304 office
413-572-8109 fax

Education

B.S., Connecticut College
Ph.D., University of California, Davis
Joined Westfield State College in 1998

Specialization

Plant Biology
Plant Physiology
Seaweed Physiology

Teaching

Philosophy: I view teaching as more than simply an occupation. It is an opportunity to provide students with skills and information that they will use throughout their lives. For those planning to major in some area of biology, it is a chance to encourage and interest them in a subject that is both challenging and exciting. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I can convey my excitement for a subject to my students. It is an opportunity to attract the next teachers and researchers to a vital field of study. Teaching a course for non-majors is an opportunity to provide students with a window into what biology is all about and how scientists in general work and think. I believe it is critical to reach students who live in a society in which sceince plays such a vital role. Since these students may never take another science course, it is important that they gain an appreciation for the methods of science, the potentials and limitations of scientific research, and the logical approach to scientific investigation.

Fall 2009 Schedule

Office hours:

Courses that Dr. Grobe teaches: