José-Ignacio Pareja, Ph.D.

About Me

I have a background in science education, biotechnology, ecology, environmental quality assessment and, most recently, nutrition science. I have been a member of the Biology Department since 2011, and I am also a member of the Environmental Sustainability Program. I like engaging students in science, GIS, data visualization, nutrition science, scientific literacy, technology literacy and I really enjoy leading off-campus programs. I have strong interests in health sciences, nutrition, environmental science and conservation. I like to engage students in thinking about applied sciences across disciplines and enjoy engaging students in hands-on, experiential learning trying to solve real-world problems. I am also the library liaison to the sciences, the Science and Technology Learning specialist, an EPIC guide, and a LIFT First Generation Instructor.

Professional Memberships

• NSTA National Science Teacher Association
• POD Professional and Organizational Development Network

Education

• Ph.D., University of Missouri, St. Louis (Teaching & Learning Processes/Science Education)
• M.S., University of Missouri, St. Louis (Biology – Ecology)
• M.Ed., University of Missouri, St. Louis (Secondary Education – Curriculum & Instruction/Education Technology)
• Nutrition Science Certificate (Stanford Medicine – Center for Health Education)
• Sports Nutrition Certification (National Academy of Sports Medicine- NASM)
• P.G.C, University of Missouri, St. Louis (Tropical Biology & Conservation)
• P.G.C, Universidad Nacional Agraria; Lima, Perú (Environmental Quality Assessment)
• B.S., Universidad Nacional Agraria; Lima, Perú (Biology – Biotechnology)

Scholarly interest

I enjoy working at the intersection of science in general, teaching and learning sciences. I have a special interest in interdisciplinary approaches and when relevant the convergence of the fields of: science, nutrition science, geographic information science, science education, brain-based science, cognitive psychology and field-based experiences as tools and catalysts to advance and understand teaching and learning in diverse contexts.

Research projects

I have led and co-led students and faculty in a variety of off campus programs and initiatives.

For students:

• Borneo (Tropical Ecology, Primate Conservation and People)
• Bahamas (Iguana Research and Conservation in Allen Cays)
• Costa Rica/Nicaragua (Global Health, Culture and Service Learning)
• Italy (Borders, Adventure, People and Cultures)
• New Zealand (Environmental and Sustainability Interdisciplinary off-campus program)
• Peru (Global Health, Culture and Service Learning)

For faculty:

• Uintas Mountains (United States) Field-based and experiential learning
• Camino de Santiago (Spain) Trans-disciplinary learning across the curriculum

I also have experience teaching field courses in: Mongolia, Kenya, Belize, Costa Rica, Baja, and Peru.