If you were curious about the interactions of squirrels or flying squirrels within the wooded areas of Southeast Missouri, then Jim Robins is the man you need to see.  Robins teaches Biology for Living, Lab Investigations in Biology and Anatomy and Physiology at the Higher Education Centers in Sikeston, Malden, and Kennett Mo.  Robins says he has always been interested in ecology and learning about how species evolve over time.

“I’ve been interested in forests and trees for a while,” Robins said.  “Dr. Scheibe in the department of Biology at Southeast directed my attention as an undergraduate to small mammals and really encouraged me to learn more about their interactions with forest ecosystems.”

Robins earned his bachelor of science degree in 1992, and later finished his master of natural science degree in 1994 from Southeast.  Robins says he expects to receive his doctorate in May from Northern Illinois University.  He has taught courses at Southeast for eight years.

“I had very good teachers during my undergraduate experience and I always admired their ability to communicate ideas to other people,” Robins explained.  “When I reached graduate school, I had the opportunity to try my hand as an instructor in the classroom and soon realized I thoroughly enjoyed talking to students about science and biology.”

Teaching in the classroom is an informal process for Robins.  He says he enjoys letting students have a chance to ask questions because it gives him an idea of their progress or suggests avenues for further discussion and exploration of ideas.

“I like to lecture at the start of class to set the stage for the topic under consideration,” Robins said.  “Then I move around the room and encourage students to ask questions and get involved with the topic and exchange ideas with their peers.”

When Robins isn’t lecturing about biology, he says he enjoys getting out and experiencing the wilderness firsthand.

“I like hiking, camping, hunting and fishing,” he said.  “I especially like hiking into areas where I’ve never been before because I’m always wondering what will be over the next hill.”

On days when he can’t go outside, Robins enjoys reading science fiction novels or listening to music.  Robins’ favorite travel destination is to the Pacific Northwest because of the contrasts among the ocean, mountains, rainforests and deserts.

Robins’ best advice for future Southeast students is to always communicate with your professors about the class.

“Students should ask questions if they don’t understand something about the material,” he said.  “Genuine questions that are pertinent to the course or to a professor’s research usually receive a professor’s best effort at an answer because everyone likes to be appreciated for their work.”

Printer-friendly

E-mail this page to a friend