Overview

In the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston I am building a research group around the investigation of the evolution of complex phenotypes. Selecting a graduate program and an advisor is a complex personal and professional decision. In this set of pages linked at the left, I provide an introduction to my philosophy and approach to teaching and mentorship, my teaching and mentorship history, and a few links to somewhat atypical teaching resources. These, in addition to my other webpages describing my research program, should give you an idea of how I approach advising; after looking over these pages, feel free to send me an email at frankino@uh.edu if you think you might be interested in joining my research group.
Advisement & Mentorship. An academic path can be challenging, but it should be enjoyable and rewarding as well. Central to a successful student research experience is selecting a mentor that is a good fit for your goals. I take the responsibility of advisement seriously, and have outlined my perspective and approach to mentorship in the For Prospective Students page. There you will also find links to general resources regarding how to pick a graduate program, advisor, and how to get the most out of an undergraduate or graduate research experience.
Science, Science Education, and Society. I believe science education has two goals. First, it should convey to students a knowledge of how the natural and technological world works, and it should bring to them an understanding of how such knowledge is gained through the process of science. Second, science education should impart students with the tools and desire to inform themselves about scientific issues, and to remain current as science advances. A well-executed science education program will bring many students to careers in science. But just as importantly, it will enable students to become scientifically literate, successful citizens regardless of their career path.

Inspiration is central to a successful science education program. The sites linked at left all inspire in one way or another - by presenting complex data in new, often beautiful, and engaging ways, by providing fun, goal-directed, creative problem solving or investigative (science) projects, by using unconventional approaches to convey scientific principles, or by exploring how science is affected by the complex relationships among the scientific community, research universities, industry, local/state/and national governments, politics, advocacy groups, and the tentative nature of science itself. They also promote interactions among people through shared web experiences, group projects, and community discussion of topical issues.