Robert Bills Email & Phone Number

Salem, Or, Us

Salem, Oregon

Binghamton, New York

I am working with Dr. Michelle Withers in the design of interventions and assessments to capture STEM education reform at the institution level at Binghamton University and eventually institutional change throughout the SUNY system.

Binghamton University, New York, United States

Postdoctoral Research Associate at Binghamton University in the Department of Biological Sciences. I am working in Michelle Withers' lab where our team utilizes discipline-based education research (DBER) to transform and reform post-secondary science education within the department, within the institution, and among other SUNY institutions. Our goal is to identify and share pedagogical tools that will help and support instructors make a successful and sustained transition to teach in a more inclusive, academically enriching, and professionally satisfying student-centered classroom.Fall 2022 I will be coteaching a First-Year Experience seminar course, "What Is Fun About Fungi," putting into practice many of the pedagogical tools from my research.

Binghamton, New York

I am working with Dr. Michelle Withers in the design of interventions and assessments to capture STEM education reform at the institution level at Binghamton University and eventually institutional change throughout the SUNY system.

Fairmont, West Virginia, United States

Adjunct instructor in the Department of Natural Sciences: Human Biology for nonmajors, Biological Principles I & II labs for biology majors.

Morgantown, West Virginia

Prior to my position at FSU, I worked in the lab of Dr. Jonathan Cumming in the Department of Biology at WVU. Our team investigated engineered rhizospheric mutualistic communities (ectomycorrhizal and plant growth promoting bacteria) influence on Populus trichocarpa response to low phosphorus stress. In this position, I mentored undergraduate and graduate students with developing and implementing ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation studies on Populus tremuloides. This work has been funded by DOE and includes collaborations with researchers at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab.

Morgantown, Wv

Introductory Physiology Lab 117, Spring 2015: Second semester of biology laboratory course. Performed duties as the primary lecturer training students in the design and implementation of experiments to test hypotheses, collection and analyses of data and communication of results through written and oral presentations. Topics included evolution, phylogenetics, plant nutrition and plant growth. Students demonstrated understanding through in-class exercises, weekly quizes and written homework assignments.Plant Science 206, Spring 2011- Spring 2013: Introductory plant science laboratory course presenting plant structures and functions. Students learn plant anatomy with the use of microscopes and live plants. Students grow and maintain crop plants (barley, bean, pea and zinnia), collect data and conduct experiments. Students demonstrate understanding by performance in lab practicals, quizzes, lab exercises, drawings of plant structures and maintaining a botanical journal of each crop.Principles of Biology 115, Fall 2010, Fall 2014: Introductory biology laboratory course presenting basic principles of modern biology. Students worked collaboratively to formulate hypotheses, design and run experiments, analyze and interpret data, apply the scientific method to solve problems and communicated experimental findings in a scientific format. Students demonstrated understanding through in class exercises, weekly assignments and quizzes.

Morgantown, Wv

I work with a globally distributed group of mutualistic fungi that colonize the roots of the majority of terrestrial plants. These fungi are known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi act as an interface between their host plant and the soil by providing scarce nutrients, protection from root pathogens, and tolerance to drought. I am currently working on the systematics and taxonomy of these fungi. This work will help us better understand the diversity and distribution of these environmentally and economically important organisms.

Morgantown, Wv

Performed duties related to collection, culture and identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Performed morphological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, cloning, sequence analyses, and phylogenetic analyses. Familiar with operation of Nikon E600 DIC microscope and image capture software. Established molecular lab protocols for the lab.

Tempe, Az

Performed duties related to collection, culture and identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Stained and assessed roots of for AM fungal colonization. Collected plant vegetative growth and reproductive output data. Collected plant, insect and soil samples and data in association with Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP-LTER). Identified urban and desert plant species during botanical surveys. Created data sheets in Microsoft Excel. Utilized Microsoft Access and Excel for data base management. Familiar with ArcMap GIS mapping program.

Reno, Nevada Area

Implemented administrative policies and operational functions in five full service, 24-hour, sports theme restaurants and one pizza restaurant. Average monthly food and beverage sales exceeded $500,000. Supervised a multi-cultural management team of 15 and staff of 150.

Mali, West Africa

Developed a tree nursery for the dissemination of native and non native tree seedlings for soil stabilization, fruit tree propagation and reforestation projects. Collaborated with Malian Water and Forest agency in the development and implementation of a multi village reforestation project; addressed wildlife conservation and environmental issues during weekly meetings. Developed and implemented radio public service announcements for market area clean up, Earth Day, malaria prevention and AIDs awareness. Participated with training of new volunteers.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Plant And Soil Sciences, Doctorate

My graduate research is the taxonomy and systematics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). One of seven groups of beneficial soil fungi.

Ph.D, Plant And Soil Science

Activities and Societies: International Mycorrhiza Society

Ms, Plant Biology

Bs, Biology

General Studies, 3.6

Education record

Master'S Degree, Plant Biology