George A. Meindl, PhD
In addition to research, I am a dedicated educator.
From teaching college courses to engaging in public outreach, one of my main scientific goals is to share knowledge in an accessible and inclusive way.
While a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, I worked with the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to engage the general public with the practice and importance of conducting science. I believe a meaningful dialogue must be maintained between scientists and their local communities to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between people and the environment.
Research experience for undergraduate students is important; students that participate in research early and often experience affective gains (e.g., enjoyment); cognitive gains (e.g., learning to think and work like a scientist); psychosocial gains (e.g., identifying as a scientist); and behavioral gains (intentions to pursue graduate education or careers in science). For these reasons, I regularly integrate research experiences into the courses I teach. By developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), I have provided primary research experiences to well over 100 undergraduate students over the past 5 years and have published several peer-reviewed journal articles that include undergraduate coauthors.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a scientist involves teaching and mentoring. Currently at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I teach the following classes:
FWE 411 Practices of Silviculture
FWE 448 Disturbance Ecology Lab: Herbivores and Fire
FWE 449 Disturbance Ecology Lab: Forest Pathogens
FWE 550 Forest Ecology
FWE 551 Forest Ecology Lab
FWE 658 Forest Resources Practicum