Jeremy Starkey

For Jeremy Starkey, a career in biology started with a moment of clarity on the banks of Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park. What began as a path toward teaching history changed course when he discovered a passion for biology and the natural world.

Now in his fourth year at CSI, Jeremy teaches courses ranging from non-majors biology and ecology to Anatomy & Physiology. As a first-generation college graduate, he credits his grandmother for inspiring his lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

Jeremy's classroom combines a laid-back atmosphere with high expectations. He encourages students to move beyond memorization and focus on truly understanding the concepts behind biological processes and scientific ideas.

Students in his courses gain much more than scientific knowledge. Depending on the course, they develop skills in critical thinking, organization, communication, field sampling techniques, and problem-solving. Ecology students even learn hands-on methods used by agencies such as Idaho Fish and Game, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Department of Environmental Quality.

One of Jeremy's favorite parts of teaching at CSI is the mix of traditional and non-traditional students who bring different perspectives and experiences into the classroom, creating meaningful discussions and opportunities for learning.

Outside of CSI, Jeremy enjoys gaming, reading, and conducting scientific research. He recently had a manuscript accepted for publication in the Journal of Integrated Organismal Biology.

His advice to students is simple: never cease being curious and learning. Your enthusiasm for those two things can take you a long way.