Heather M. Butler
Fincastle,VA
Summary
Assistant Professor of Biology with a proven track record in course design and student engagement. Spearheaded curriculum development and contributed to the Transfer VA initiative, showcasing exceptional project leadership and faculty collaboration. Skilled in academic advisement and community engagement, with a commitment to fostering educational excellence.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Professor of Biology
Virginia Western Community College
08.2015 - Current
- Biology Department Head and Science Program Head since 2017
- Interim Integrated Environmental Studies Program Head 2023-25
- Hire, train, and evaluate Biology adjunct faculty
- Maintain communication and evaluate Dual Enrollment Biology instructors in area high schools
- Courses taught: BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 215, BIO 271, AGR 142, FOR 115, SDV 101
- Developed curriculum, course syllabi and lesson plans for Plant Science (AGR 142), Plant Life of Virginia (BIO 215), Dendrology (FOR 115), and Orientation to Science (SDV 101).
- Coordinate weekly Biology lab sessions, contributing to student engagement, comprehension and learning objectives.
- Participated in the Transfer VA initiative by revising course objectives for BIO 101 and BIO 102,
- Regularly update course materials, instructional and assessment strategies for BIO 101 and BIO 102 courses.
- Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
- Faculty Advisor for students in the A.S. of Science program
- Serve on governance committees
High School Biology Teacher
Botetourt County Public Schools
09.2006 - 08.2015
- Taught General and Advanced Studies Biology, General and Advanced Studies Earth Science, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Dual Enrollment Biology (BIO 101/102)
- Science Department Head 2012-2015
- Ecology Club faculty sponsor at Lord Botetourt H.S.
- Established positive and encouraging relationships with students and helped to foster appreciation for biology and science.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
Procurement Forester
MeadWestvaco Corporation (now Smurfit-WestRock)
05.1997 - 08.2006
- Inventoried standing timber and monitored health on company-owned timberlands.
- Managed stand improvements, thinnings and other silvicultural practices on both company-owned land and private land.
- Managed purchases and communications with 60+ independent logging contractors in a four-county region supplying pulpwood to the Covington mill.
- Planned and supervised harvesting operations on both company-owned land and purchased timber on privately-owned land.
- Oversaw planting crews in the establishment of managed pine stands.
- Led forestry tours for MeadWestvaco corporate customers, school groups, and various interest groups.
- Led community education projects on benefits of sustainable forestry practices.
- Annual guest speaker for undergraduate forestry classes at Virginia Tech and Mountain Gateway Community College.
Project Scientist
Terradon Corporation
02.1995 - 04.1997
- Conducted environmental site assessments for natural gas transmission pipeline projects in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Prepared Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for private industries in West Virginia.
- Developed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) training manuals for Columbia Gas transmission company.
- Conducted wetland delineations and associated permitting.
- Conducted threatened and endangered species surveys for corporate clients.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Served as technical consultant on environmental policies to maintain regulatory compliance.
Education
Biology
University of Maryland
College Park, MDEducation
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VAMaster of Science - Forest Resources
The Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA08-1994
Bachelor of Science - Forestry And Wildlife
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, VA08-1991
Skills
- Course design
- Classroom lectures and labs
- Evaluations and assessment
- Project leadership
- Faculty collaboration
- Departmental collaboration
- Multitasking and organization
- Subject matter expertise
- Student engagement
- Academic Advisement
- Community engagement
Additional Information
- Recipient of the Andrew Archer Teaching Award for 2022-23 academic year
- Spearheaded effort to establish Virginia Western C.C. in the Bee Campus USA program and to establish beehives on campus in spring of 2023
- Established the student Bee Club in spring of 2023
- Through my membership in the Virginia Native Plants Society, I helped establish a $2,000 scholarship for Horticulture and Integrated Environmental Studies majors at Virginia Western.
- Participation in governance committees: Dual Enrollment, Online Learning, Professional Development, Academic and Workforce Solutions, College Council
Timeline
Assistant Professor of Biology
Virginia Western Community College
08.2015 - Current
High School Biology Teacher
Botetourt County Public Schools
09.2006 - 08.2015
Procurement Forester
MeadWestvaco Corporation (now Smurfit-WestRock)
05.1997 - 08.2006
Project Scientist
Terradon Corporation
02.1995 - 04.1997
Biology
University of Maryland
Education
University of Virginia
Master of Science - Forest Resources
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science - Forestry And Wildlife
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
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