Amy Mertl

My research work focuses on insect populations in urban environments and includes a large community science component. I run community science projects each year, collecting data on insect herbivory, pollinator/plant interactions and monarch populations in urban green spaces around Boston. More recently I have become interested in the growing excitement around planting urban tiny forests using the Miyawaki method and the use of these spaces may have on insect populations. I am a member of the Urban Wildlife Information Network and co-manage a wildlife camera network in the Boston area to survey bird and mammal activity along urban gradients. I also investigate the impacts of urban air pollution, a major environmental justice issue, as part of the HAFTRAP research group.

As a teacher, I use a modified POGIL approach in the classroom, with space for structured open-ended experimentation and discussion. For example, I often create two-part exercises, one more structured to introduce students to observing or working with a system and grow curious about it, and one open ended where students could then build on their curiosities by developing a new hypothesis and methodology to explore it through data collection. I also aim to create inclusive classrooms by meeting students where they are at to support their learning and their success in class. I offer a variety of methods of assessment (written, oral, visual) to let students who may not do well on traditional assessments show their knowledge. And I love to go outside as much as possible! Outside of the classroom I love to read, travel, and take part in theater and film productions when time allows. I work on local issues related to green space access and biodiversity conservation. I use they/she pronouns.