ASTR 1210 - Introduction to Sky & Solar System (taught in 7 semesters and most recently Fall 2025)

• A study of the night sky primarily for non-science majors. Provides a brief history of astronomy through Newton. Topics include the properties of the sun, earth, moon, planets, asteroids, meteors and comets; origin and evolution of the solar system; life in the universe; and recent results from space missions and ground-based telescopes.

ASTR 1220 - Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (taught in 6 semesters and most recently Spring 2025)

• A study of stars, star formation, and evolution primarily for non-science majors. Topics include light, atoms, and modern observing technologies; origin of the chemical elements; supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars, and black holes; structure and evolution of our galaxy; nature of other galaxies; active galaxies and quasars; expanding universe, cosmology, the big bang, and the early universe.

ASTR 1290 - Black Holes (taught in 3 semesters and most recently Spring 2025)

• Black holes are stellar remnants that are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. Nevertheless, systems that contain these "dark stars" are among the brightest sources in the universe. In this introductory course, aimed primarily at non-science majors, students will explore the seemingly paradoxical nature of black holes and evaluate the astronomical evidence for their existence.

ASTR 3470 - Science & Controversy in Astronomy (taught in 2 semesters and most recently Fall 2025)

• Open to non-science students. Investigates controversial topics in science and pseudo-science from the astronomer's perspective. Analyzes methods of science and the nature of scientific evidence, and their implications for unresolved astrophysical problems. Topics include extraterrestrial life, UFO's, astrology, the Moon landing, and others.

ASTR 1230 - Introduction to Astronomical Observation (taught 1 semester in Fall 2023)

• An independent laboratory class for non-science majors, meeting at night, in which students learn how to observe the night sky, use a telescope, and take digital images of the sky. Students work individually or in small groups on observational projects that focus on the study of constellations, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies using binoculars, 8-inch telescopes, and imaging equipment at the department's student observatory.

ASTR 1250 - Alien Worlds (taught 1 semester in Spring 2023)

• Alien worlds orbiting other stars were the subject of speculation going back to ancient times, and were first detected in the 1990s. Today, thousands of extrasolar planets are known and show a remarkable diversity compared to our own solar system. This introductory astronomy course for non-science majors discusses the known exoplanets: how they are discovered, their orbits, physical properties, formation, evolution and fate.

ASTR 1270 - Unsolved Mysteries in the Universe (taught 1 semester in Spring 2022)

• An exploration of the unsolved mysteries in the universe and the limits of our knowledge for non-science majors. The class emphasizes the nature of scientific endeavor, and explores the boundaries between science, philosophy, and metaphysics. A number of thought provoking topics are discussed including the beginning and end of the universe, black holes, extraterrestrial life, the nature of time, dark matter and dark energy.

ASTR 1280 - The Origins of Almost Everything (taught 1 semester in Summer 2021)

• From ancient Babylon to modern cosmology, nearly every culture on Earth has stories and myths of creation. It is a universal human desire to understand from where we came. In this introductory astronomy class for non-science majors, students will explore the origins of the Universe, structure and galaxies, stars, planets and life. The course will use the content to illustrate the nature of science and scientific inquiry.

ASTR 3480 - Introduction to Cosmology (taught 1 semester in Spring 2021)

• Intended for STEM majors and non-STEM majors who are comfortable with some non-calculus math. Cosmology explores the origin and evolution of the Universe, including cosmic expansion, mapping the Universe, dark matter and dark energy, the birth and evolution of galaxies, the early universe, and the Big Bang. This course strikes a balance between richly illustrated description and a simplified quantitative exploration of the above topics.

Award for Excellence in Teaching (2024)

• Through UVA's Jefferson Scholar Foundation the award recognizes those who "exemplify the highest standards and practices of teaching and demonstrate that communicating knowledge and inspiring students are as important to the education process as research and scholarship."

Science & Society Co-Design Grant (2025)

• Supports the development of a new course offered at UVA through the 'Science & Society' general education requirement tag. I will be the partner faculty on a course entitled 'The Art & Science of Time Travel.'

VIVA Open Course Grant (2024)

• Supports the development of ancillary material for large introductory astronomy courses with the intention of making theses courses entirely free for students at the University of Virginia and throughout other institutions in VA and beyond.

• Grant Title: Development of Ancillary Homework/Tutorials, Labs, and In-class Questions for an Introductory Astronomy Course.

Affordability & Equity Grant Program (2024)

• Grant awarded to adopt a free open source textbook in my introductory astronomy courses to help reduce the cost of materials in my classes

Ignite Member - UVA Center for Teaching Excellence (2023)

• Internal UVA group that provides new faculty (less than 3 years at UVA) with the knowledge, skills, and supportive community they need to develop into exceptional and equity-minded teachers