Biology Instructor, Science Lab Coordinator

Degrees
M.S, Biology (Ecology Emphasis) Middle Tennessee State University
B.S., Biology (Minors: Chemistry and Anthropology), Cumberland University
Office Location: Memorial Hall, 309D
Phone: 615.547.1262
E-mail: katwood@cumberland.edu
Web: http://scienceandmathatcu.wordpress.com/

 

Professor Atwood has been an employee of Cumberland University since 2005.  She has primarily taught the introductory-level biology course for non-majors (BIO 100 Principles of Biology). In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she coordinates the EPA compliance standards for the sciences.  She is also co-sponsor of the Pre-Professional Society and the CU chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi women’s fraternity, Lambda Omicron, of which she is a founding member. She has served on several university committees.  Current memberships include the National Science Teachers Association and the Tennessee Academy of Science.

Professor Atwood has had additional graduate coursework in the field of education, and her current research interests involve science education in higher education, as well as at elementary and secondary grade levels. She has particular interests in alternative content delivery and technology in the classroom.  She has implemented various tools in her traditional sections, as well as her hybrid and online sections, such as personal response systems, or clickers, screen casting lectures, and case studies.  She is also co-director of the summer science camp for 6th graders.  In the past, she was instrumental in establishing a partnership with a middle school program that brought 7th & 8th graders to campus to perform various science activities throughout the school year.  She is currently a Science Olympiad coach for a local school.

Prior to coming to Cumberland, Professor Atwood worked as a staff scientist for an engineering firm, working primarily on ecological studies contracted through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. In graduate school, her research involved monitoring stream systems through physical/chemical analysis and benthic macroinvertebrate collection/identification to determine whether or not sediment pollution from road construction activities had any effect on the stream systems.

Publications:  

Received Office of Student Life award of Most Outstanding Faculty Member 2011-2012