My teaching experience developed from academic, professional, and touristic settings. I am committed to sharing biological and ecological knowledge with a focus on cultivating a deeper understanding of these subjects and inspiring a broader appreciation for the natural world. This dedication shapes my approach to education, where I focus on helping students understand the fundamental principles of nature and life, guiding them understand their critical role in both academic learning and real-world problem-solving. I tailor my teaching style to the contexts of large lectures, small seminars, lab classes, and mentorship outside the classroom in the field and laboratory. My effectiveness as an educator in higher education evolved from a series of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and single lecture experiences both within academic and community settings. I developed the necessary skills to effectively teach biological and ecological topics such as: Ecology and Evolution, Biological Background of Social Human Behavior, Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction, Geology and Paleontology, Scientific Imaging, Scientific Design and Graphics, Introduction to Archaeology, Bantu Archaeology, and Geospatial Analysis and Cartography.
Condensed Teaching Record
Full Term Courses (15 weeks)
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
Advanced Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
Biological Background for Social Human Behavior
Intensive Courses (4-8 weeks)
Introduction to Archaeology and methods in Archaeology
Bantu linguistics and archaeology
Scientific design and graphIcs
Archeological Methods and Research
Introduction to Biomolecular Archaeology
Student Projects
In each course where I serve as the primary instructor, students have the opportunity to complete summary assignments, also known as unessays. These assignments are designed to be approached through both traditional and non-traditional methods, allowing students to engage with course material in a format that best aligns with their individual dispositions and experiences.
An assignment that allows you to respond to a course topic in a creative way that's not limited to traditional essay writing.
How it works:
Choose a topic covered in class before the deadline of each specific unessay
Present the topic in a way that's meaningful to you
Evaluation is based on how compelling and effective your presentation of the chosen topic is.
The instructor wants to see that you have understood in depth the selected topic and concepts, expressing them in a style that suits your interests.
Teaching Resources
This resource page will be expanded in time. All materials are developed by JNC and free to be used for teaching purposes and/or pedagogical inspiration.
Stratigraphy - Principles and Types
Principles & Laws of Stratigraphy -
Principles & Laws of Stratigraphy -
Teaching materials designed for BIOL395 (Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction, undergraduate-level) and BIOL495 (Advanced Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction, graduate-level). Spring 2025, Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago.