Biology

Last week, WKU’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) announced its 2022 teaching honors recipients.

Dr. Natalie Mountjoy, an Assistant Professor of Biology, was chosen as the Ogden College of Science and Engineering recipient.

Recipients of the CITL Teaching Honors are identified by students who believe the nominee is effective, thoughtful, and innovative.

Dr. Mountjoy received her Master of Science in Biology at WKU. As a trained ecologist, she is interested in the human dimensions of ecology including human and wildlife conflict and natural resource management. Currently, her focus has been on pedagogy and integrating high-impact practices, including inquiry-based learning, into our general biology series, and on expanding student research opportunities in the department in partnership with the Med Center. She believes her role as an educator is to guide in the acquisition of knowledge, inspire critical analyses, and engender interest and enthusiasm for biology and biology-based careers.

“I strive to meet my students where they are and to produce students with the tools and capacity to accomplish their goals and meet their obligations to themselves, their discipline, and the broader community,” Dr. Mountjoy said.

Dr. David Brown, Dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering, said, “It's never a surprise to see [Dr. Mountjoy] receive a teaching award, but it's always a delight.”