From hands-on field trips to guided meditation, Erika Barthelmess creates a learning environment that’s as dynamic and engaging as the natural world she studies.
What’s one of your favorite classes to teach—and why?
I love teaching Mammalogy. It’s a deep dive into mammal diversity, evolution, and conservation. We also take a four-day field trip to Cape Cod, where students get hands-on experience whale watching, camping, and presenting research around the campfire. This early-semester trip builds a strong community that transforms the learning environment for the rest of the term.
How do you bring lessons to life for students?
I incorporate hands-on experiences wherever I can. For example, in Mammalogy, students build fully articulated skeletons from local mammals. Starting with a carcass, they clean and assemble the skeletons over the semester—one team even completed a bear skeleton!
What’s a unique element of your teaching style?
I begin every class with a minute of guided meditation to help students manage stress. My black Labrador, Gus, also attends class daily. He’s a calming presence, and students adore him as much as he loves them.
What’s something students might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a percussionist and play in the SLU Wind Ensemble. I’m also a carpenter—my wife and I built a cabin and sugar shack in the woods, where I make maple syrup as a hobby.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of creating the Nature Up North project, which has provided nearly 100 internships for students to engage the local community in caring for the environment. I’m also proud every time a student overcomes a challenge or discovers something new—that’s the heart of why I teach.
