Faculty from Past Programs¶
In chronological order:
Jon Bouknight: Barcelona 2015¶
Jon has been a long time pillar of our Communication Department. This is the blurb from the COCC Faculty profile page for Jon.
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Following the examples of some of the greatest educators in Western history such as Socrates, Aristotle and Cicero, discussion is the cornerstone of all my classes and is what makes them interesting, I hope. I love watching students who get excited about a topic, or who admit to having their long-held beliefs challenged. Also enjoyable are students who reach a personal goal even in a course they’d love to skip. Best of all, though, and selfishly, I most enjoy it when the students teach me something.
Michel Waller: Barcelona 2017¶
Michel is a fabulous faculty member in the Anthropology group. This is the blurb from the COCC Faculty profile page for Michel.
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Michel Waller has come full circle. He attended COCC and now teaches anthropology here. His favorite course to teach is Biological Anthropology as it traces 65 million years of primate and human evolution.
“I have always been interested in studying the human condition and anthropology allows me to engage in this pursuit through the bio-cultural influences on our evolution,” he says. “Furthermore, anthropology has allowed me to focus on the conservation of apes and monkeys by looking at the many ways humans perceive our closest relatives.” He says his teaching style varies, but he strives to encourage students to openly discuss the various course topics in a relaxed and respectful environment.
“I enjoy working with a diverse student body, and I appreciate how invested my students are,” he says. “Connecting with students and watching them accomplish their goals is extremely rewarding.”
Bruce Emerson: Barcelona 2022 (planned)¶
Bruce has been teaching physics and engineering at COCC since the Fall of 1991. Over the years he has taught just about every course in the physics program along with an occasional math class. Most recently Bruce has developed and taught classes which he refers to as ‘Science for the Terrified’. These science classes for students not pursuing a science or engineering degree are an opportunity to have a rich conversation about what science is, how it works, and how it impacts all of our lives in very real ways through public policy.
” I really enjoy working with students where they are at (scientifically) and crafting a path that deepens their understanding and confidence. Curiosity is the key! Its the concepts that provide lasting insight. Driving 20% faster uses 40% more fuel because air resistance depends on the square of your speed. Blue stars are young and will die soon while fainter red stars will live nearly forever. The death of blue stars creates all of the material from which we as humans are made. We are fortunate that they live such short lives.”
Questions to Pursue:¶
Get some video from each previous faculty member. Create questions for the faculty Get a teaching statement from Mick