Biology Department

Assistant Professor of Biology

dchristensen@wsc.ma.edu
Wilson Hall Rm 213 A
Phone: 413.572.5373
Fax: 413.572.8109

Education

B.S., University of Idaho
M.S., Washington State University
Ph.D., Washington State University
Joined Westfield State College in 2008

Specialization

Aquatic biology
Aquatic food webs
Competition / Resource partitioning
Water quality

Teaching Philosophy

I believe learning should be a perpetual endeavor in life that is often achieved through multiple processes such as visual, auditory, repetitive, and hands-on approaches. Each student may possess a mosaic of learning styles and have the potential to excel when given the right tools and opportunities. In my classes, I try to integrate different teaching styles in order to address the variety of learning methods that exist and to generate sincere interest among students regarding the diverse topics of biology. I believe teaching is a dynamic process that requires professors to be vigilant in adjusting and applying new methodologies to meet the needs of our students in varying courses and disciplines.