Excellence in Teaching Award – Kyle Herrman, Fisheries and Water Resources
From hands-on experiences like developing a wetland management plan for a local citizens nonprofit to collecting data from area streams, students in Associate Professor Kyle Herrman's fisheries and water resources classes are benefiting from his student-centered approach to teaching.
Recently honored with the university's Excellence in Teaching Award, Herrman uses a combination of teaching and applied research in his College of Natural Resources classes, giving students an in-depth look at applied ecological concepts and how resource managers approach and execute projects in their professional careers.
"Being a professor is a multifaceted job," Herrman said, "but the best part of my day is when I am in the classroom, laboratory, or out in the field interacting with students and sharing my knowledge about natural resources with them."
Students in his Water Chemistry and Analysis course not only analyze data they collect from local streams, they write technical papers justifying their conclusions. This requires them to critically assess the data they collect and make connections with the surrounding environment, a skillset they will need in their future careers. His expertise in wetlands ecology has increased student interest in this field of study.
Herrman also collaborates with local organizations and the Department of Natural Resources to conduct applied research, giving students insight into wetland management across the state. For example, as he helps develop a wetland management plan for a local citizens nonprofit group, several students are involved in monitoring and assessing the site. Students see firsthand how data is used in the management of wetland ecosystems.
He recently partnered with several state and local agencies to conduct a stream and wetland restoration project on the Little Plover River. Beyond having both graduate and undergraduate students help successfully conduct the restoration, his students will monitor the recovery of the stream and wetland following restoration.
Herrman also teaches a 100% online graduate-level course for the Master of Natural Resources program. This class covers applied ecology concepts in terrestrial and aquatic systems at a graduate level for students that may not have science backgrounds.
"Kyle Herrman's students and fellow faculty members consistently praise his passion, innovation and engagement," said Brian Sloss, dean of the College of Natural Resources. "He has thrived at UWSP and exceeded every expectation."
See also:
Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service Award - David Barry
Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award - Tina Rajski
Excellence in Teaching Award - Lauren Gantz, Kate Kipp, Erin Speetzen
University Scholar Award - Chris Diehm, Alex Ingersoll
University Service Award - Jennifer Collins, Shelly Janowski, Kathryn McGarry
Academic Staff Spirit of Community Service Award - Lisa Golda
Outstanding Work Performance Award - Janette Baumann, Corinna Neeb, Lisa Nelson, Heather Springer
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