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Dr. Charles McClaugherty III
Department: Environmental Biology
What type of interesting features do you incorporate into your classes?
I use a variety of different features for the classes that I teach. Whenever possible I try to have students engage in projects that have real-world implications. For example, in my restoration ecology class students are developing a management plant to control invasive species at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. Previous classes have worked on the pollution in the Mahoning River or the acid mine drainage in Huff Run watershed.
I also like to have alternative means of assessing student achievement. Students can demonstrate that they have mastered a subject by teaching it to others, especially in a setting away from campus.
In your opinion, how is Mount Union College unique from other small liberal arts colleges?
Speaking for the Biology Department, I feel that we have a strong emphasis on participatory learning. We work to have our students learn to DO science. Our labs have amazing equipment and we do science in nearly all of our classes as opposed to just talking about science.
How do Mount Union students benefit from attending a small school as opposed to a larger school?
As a faculty member I love getting to know my students as individuals. I often get to know about their interests and aspirations. We share stories about family and friends. In addition, our students can often work at a level with faculty that is reserved for graduate students at research universities.
Have you done any interesting research or developed any interesting courses at Mount Union? If so, explain.
I study ecosystems and how they work. My research has been related to nutrient cycles, particularly nitrogen and carbon. The recent interest in global climate change has made my research very relevant for understanding climate change. My students can use state-of-the art technology to do research on carbon dioxide fluxes in the environment. Other students have been involved in studies of carbon storage and release in soils. A recent interest of mine is invasive species and many of my students have done research projects related to invasive species. One of my favorite courses is Tropical Biology. I am in awe of the diversity and beauty of tropical ecosystems and it thrills me to see my students have a chance to experience this for themselves.
What kinds of opportunities do Mount Union students have after graduating from College?
The world is filled with opportunities for those who know how to learn, how to communicate and how to be a contributing member of a community. These are all things that students can learn at Mount Union
In what activities do you participate in your spare time?
In some ways my job and my spare time are related. I really enjoy being outside: hiking, canoeing and birding.
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