John Weser

Dr. John Weser

Background

There are so many cool organisms in the world around us. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the plants and animals that lived around me. In fact, I knew I wanted to be a biologist when I was 10-years old. I am a behavioral ecologist and zoologist, having earned both my Ph.D. in biology and Masters of Natural Science Degree at Arizona State University. My biological interests are many with interest in evolutionary biology, ecology, marine biology and conservation biology. My doctoral research having focused on the foraging ecology of a desert leafcutting ant species and a desert seed harvesting ant species. Social insect colonies are fascinating in their complexity of behavior and organization. I am also involved with the biodiversity inventory and frog conservation projects being conducted by SCC's Center for Native and Urban Wildlife.

I have been teaching in the Maricopa Community College District since 1989 and at SCC since 1995. In May of 2003 I received a excellence in teaching award from NISOD (the National Institute of Staff and Office Development). I teach courses in "majors" biology, "non-majors" marine biology and natural history of the southwest. I think it is important that students "see" the world around them and recognize how much a part we are of the living world. I try to take may students on field trips or offer field courses to expose them to the wonderfully biologically diverse world in which they live.

As for interests, I enjoy photography, videography, most sports; I scuba dive and I have even coached my sons 3rd grade basketball team.