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First love
After a successful research, Jim Colbert decided to concentrate
on teaching
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When Jim Colbert came back to Iowa State as an assistant professor of
botany, his main responsibility was conducting research in plant molecular
biology.
It was important to Colbert that he also have teaching responsibilities
and for a number of years he juggled the two effectively.
He has been extremely successful in his research efforts, establishing
an internationally respected program on the role of messenger RNA stability
in controlling plant gene expression, particularly with respect to the
effects of the phytochromeA gene and light-mediated gene control.
There came a time however when Colbert wanted to spend less and less time
in his lab. Instead he was directing his energies to the classroom.
"I'm not saying that research isn't important or valuable,"
Colbert said. "I felt that although my research was interesting it
became clear to me that what I was most interested in was being in the
classroom."
Ultimately Colbert decided he couldn't have an outstanding research program
and be the type of teacher he wanted to be.
"It was a difficult decision - not one that I made overnight,"
he said. "I have always been torn between (conducting) research and
teaching. In the end, I just couldn't see myself not teaching."
And according to Colbert, there is a need for such faculty members.
"Iowa State is a Research I institution and we need to be research
focused," he said. "But we also need to have some people that
are really focused on the 20,000-some undergraduates and make their experience
on campus as valuable and interesting as it can be."
Just like his research efforts, Colbert's focus on teaching has been rewarded.
While he doesn't receive large research grants any more, he has been recognized
for his success in the classroom.
He was a member of the inaugural class of the LAS Master Teachers, who
were honored for their expertise in large lecture classrooms. An exemplary
teacher, Colbert has developed innovative techniques designed to involve
students in their own education. He has incorporated technology into the
large classroom environment, and has been an advocate on exploring new
learning strategies.
In 2000-01, he was selected as a Center for Teaching Excellence Faculty
Fellow. And this past spring, he was one of two Iowa State faculty members
who were given the Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching
Award. That award recognizes a faculty member who has an outstanding teaching
career with distinguished achievement in undergraduate education.
Colbert's teaching goes well beyond the classroom. He challenges his students
to augment their learning with relevant community service activities,
including launching the Skunk River Navy to integrate environmental education
and practice.
"The Skunk River Navy and the BEST (Biological Education Success
Teams) learning community are two good examples that I feel are really
valuable learning opportunities for undergraduates," he said. "Now
instead of spending time on weekends writing grants, I'm wading around
in the river."
A river that is just another classroom to Jim Colbert.
Around LAS
October 15-21, 2001
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