Dr Tamsyn Kiss

Teaching and scholarships

‌My aim in teaching is to create a learning environment where students feel that they belong and to find what it is that gives them a sense of wonder about the subject. My teaching mostly covers stage one and stage two teaching in the ecology fields. As a teaching and scholarship specialist lecturer, I also carry out research into understanding how students learn most effectively, and I try to bring in techniques from this research field into the teaching environment. Currently, I am interested in whether students feel hopeful when learning about global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

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Inspired by the research about teaching practice, I aim to provide students with opportunities for active learning in both lectures and workshops, and encourage students to question and explore topics of interest. As the module convenor for Ecological Solutions to Global Challenges, I encourage students to consider an interdisciplinary approach to a number of different global issues facing the world today. I am also involved in a range of skills focused modules, teaching and assisting teaching important scientific skills such as scientific writing and statistical testing. ‌
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My personal scientific interests centre around soil invertebrates and their roles in ecosystem functions and services. My current stage 3 project students are taking advantage of the range of habitats on campus to investigate earthworm populations and the environmental factors that may influence their composition and distribution. I am keen to work with students to find a research question that interests them within the wide scope of soil and its hidden populations.