TEACHING EMPHASIS - Thomas D. Sisk

The undergraduate program in Environmental Sciences offers in-depth exposure to the natural sciences and preparation for productive careers in a range of environmental fields. I am enthusiastic about the science of ecology, and I strive to help students build a strong scientific foundation while integrating perspectives from other disciplines that will help them translate their scientific training into effective applications in a wide variety of professions. In our lab, undergraduates participate in a wide variety of original research in ecology and conservation biology.

Prospective Graduate Students:

I coordinate the M.S. program in Environmental Sciences and Policy, and I also advise graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Forestry. My ability to supervise graduate student research varies from year to year, so please contact me via email if you are interested in working in our lab. Northern Arizona University is a wonderful location for graduate study in ecology and conservation biology, and opportunities abound.

Courses Taught:

Fall 2004

ENV 330 - Environmental Ecology: Synthesis and Applications
The third semester in the Environmental Sciences Core Curriculum.

ENV 555 - The Environmental Science/Policy Interface
A graduate seminar course, taught with Dr. David Schlosberg, Dept. of Political Science.

Spring 2005

ENV 440/540 - Conservation Biology
A upper-division / graduate course concerned with the scientific basis for the conservation of biological diversity.

ENV 440L/540L - Conservation Biology Laboratory
A field-oriented exposure to the practice of conservation biology in the 'real world'. Offered only in conjunction with ENV 440/540.

ENV 399 - Environmental Sciences of the San Juan Basin
A senior elective for Environmental Sciences majors, integrating advanced science and policy studies.

Other Courses

ENV 544 - Landscape Ecology
A graduate class (open to advanced undergraduates) focusing on ecological patterns and processes at landscape scales.

ENV 698 / BIO 698 - Human Origins, Evolution, and the Environment
A graduate seminar, proposed for Spring 2005

Web of Life: Culture and Environment on the Colorado Plateau
A undergraduate seminar focusing on community, culture, and environment in the 4-corners region.