EDUCATION
Master of Science Degree in Biology California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (with honors) California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo,CA
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Biological Sciences Instructor, 1990 - present Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CAHuman Biology Laboratory 2001 – I am developing an human biology laboratory course that complements the lecture sections of this course. The course will include traditional laboratory exercises in the areas of digestion, excretion, cardiovascular assessment, nervous system function, and sensory perception. We will also explore new areas of human biology by performing protein analysis, an ELISA test that simulates current HIV testing techniques, and a human-DNA exercise that gives students the opportunity to use modern PCR (DNA-finger printing techniques) on their own DNA. This course will be offered Spring Semester 2002 at Cuesta’s North County Campus.
Human Biology - non majors course - I teach large and small lecture sections of this course. I use a variety of teaching techniques in this course including hands-on group activities, thought provoking demonstrations, power-point presentations, overheads, and Internet assignments.Ecology and Field Biology - non majors course – I developed fifteen innovative
ecology laboratory exercises that are based on the Chorro Valley watershed and the unique oak woodlands of San Luis Obispo County. The exercises teach students industry-standard environmental assessment and analysis techniques. These laboratory exercise are a part of my Ecology and Field Biology Laboratory Manual (in press).Biology 1A laboratory -majors course - I developed several new molecular biology and biotechnology-based laboratory exercises. I also developed and wrote several plant anatomy laboratory exercises for the course. I co-authored the course laboratory manual. Participated in the revision of the course from a 4-unit one laboratory per week class, to a 5-unit two laboratories per week offering.
Physiology laboratory - majors course - I Introduced an ELISA test into the laboratory section that simulates current HIV testing techniques. I introduced a human-DNA exercise that gives students hands-on experience with modern polymerase chain reaction (PCR/DNA-finger printing) techniques.
Life Science - non majors course - Extensive experience teaching small-lecture and audio-tutorial laboratory section of this course.
Human Anatomy audio-tutorial laboratory - majors course - audio-tutorial laboratory instructor. I give anatomy exams that reward students for their achievement and challenge them to learn more.
College for Kids Field Biology Instructor (Invertebrates) - Grades 4th to 8th - In this course I introduced elementary and middle school student to stream ecology, environmental science, entomology, field botany, and taxonomy.
Assistant Biology Instructor 1976-1978
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Zoology 131 and 132 laboratories - majors courses - Courses covered cellular biology, histology, embryology, genetics, and comparative vertebrate anatomy.
Natural History Bio 127 laboratory - non majors course - This course covered entomology, natural history, and geology.
Youth Conservation Corp. Crew Leader - 1977
California Department of Parks Recreation, San Luis Obispo, CA
Teaching high school and middle school students conservation, ecology, natural history, plant taxonomy, botany, marine biology, and geology.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Agricultural Inspector III
(top of career series) 1982-1988San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards San Luis Obispo, CA.
Pesticide Use Enforcement Program Coordinator - Principal researcher and author of county phenoxy herbicide study. This study significantly improved California herbicide regulations. Developed pesticide permit issuance manual and staff training guide. Acted as liaison between growers and government agencies such as EPA, USDA, CDFA, USFW, and CDF&G.
Computer Systems Coordinator - Managed microcomputer system. Installed hardware and software. Responsible for application software development.
Crop Statistics Specialist - Developed county crop mapping system based on satellite and aerial surveys.
Air Pollution Control Specialist (Technical Services) 1980-1982
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District San Luis Obispo, CA.
Developed District’s data quality assurance program that was adopted by the state as a standard operating procedure. Installed and maintained air monitoring stations according to ARB and EPA standards. Reviewed county land use plans for compliance with air quality standards.
Graduate Assistant in Plant Taxonomy - Hover Herbarium 1975 - 1977
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.
Responsible for updating taxonomy and checking taxonomy of new specimens. Plant collection for taxonomy course, laboratory exam set-up and grading.
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
Barker, Deborah L. K. 1999. Ecology and Field Biology Laboratory Manual (in press)
Pedersen, Peter K. and Deborah L. K. Barker. 1995. Laboratory Experience in Biology Parts 1 and 2. Cuesta College, California.
Barker, Deborah L. K.. 1985. A comparison of Phenoxy Herbicide Drift Generated by Six Types of Spray Nozzles.Proceedings 37 Annual Weed Conference 1985.
Barker, Deborah L. K. Some Aspects of Size, as a Component of Behavioral Feedback, in the Dominance Establishment of the Blue Gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus (Pallus) Masters Thesis 1978.
Barker, Deborah L. K. Visual Stimulus Preference in Male Blue Gouramis, Trichogaster trichopterus. Presented at the 1978 Animal Behavior Society Meeting, University of Washington, Seattle.
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