Ph.D. (Science Education and Conservation Biology), Western Michigan University
M.Ed. (Environmental Science Education), Gannon University
B.A. (Biology), Cornerstone University

Conservation biology and science education — especially the study of mammal movement across landscape matrices and the application of ecological models to science education.

Vande Zande, P, Sindorf, V and Keys R. 2009. The utilization of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trails by vertebrates as a means of traversing gaps in landscape matrices. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Research Archives. http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/bfs/urge/research_findings/.

Warner, A, Webb, R and Keys R. 2009. Microhabitat distribution and selection among snake species of the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Research Archives. http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/bfs/urge/research_findings/.

Paladino, A and Keys, R. 2007. Effects of habitat fragmentation by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on raccoon (Procyon lotor) home range. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Research Archives. http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/bfs/urge/research_findings/.

Heys, B and Keys, R. 2007. The potential habitat fragmentation caused by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and its impact on nest predation. Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Annual Meeting, Ferris State University, MI.

Fleishmann, E and Keys, R. 2007. Effects of environmental variables on plant communities in a ravine system in southwest Michigan. Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, Letters Annual Meeting, Ferris State University, MI.

Walker, C and Keys, R. 2005. An analysis of habitat structure and corridor connectivity for wildlife at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Research Archives. http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/bfs/urge/research_findings/.

Keys, R. 2004. Students and stewardship: A conflict of worldviews. Ethics Across the Disciplines Conference, LaCrosse, WI.

Lemberg, D and Keys, R. 2002. The potential impact of a changing landscape mosaic on Odocoileus virginianus at the Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan. American Association of Geographers Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Keys, R and Rudge, D. 2001. Life science for elementary educators instructor’s manual. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.

Keys, R. 1996. Making a memory: Creating effective school field trips. 1996 Interpretive Sourcebook. National Association for Interpretation Workshop, Bozeman, MT.

Mallinson Institute of Science Education Graduate Research Award, Western Michigan University, 2004
Western Michigan Doctoral Associateship, 2000-2001
Gannon University Graduate Studies Award for Scholastic Excellence in Environmental Education, 1995
Millcreek Township School District Employee Award, 1992
U.S. Forest Service Commendation, 1983

What can students expect from your classes? From your division?

Students in my classes will find that learning is initiated through inquiry. I am a firm believer in developing science ideas through active learning environments. My ecology-based classes spend a good deal of time in the field rather than the classroom, and my science education classes are based on research-tested, inquiry-based teaching techniques.

Of all the classes that you may teach, which one are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about ecology and science methods classes. I love seeing the light come on in the eyes of students who are discovering some new concept in science or a new way to teach science to others.

If you are interested in environmental biology, you should look for a place that allows you to get out in the field and experience the concepts the creator has designed to govern his world rather than a place that just teaches you the theory.

Where were you born or raised?

I have lived my entire life in the Great Lakes watershed.

Family information:

I have been married to my college sweetheart for 25 years and have two college-aged children.

In addition to teaching, I enjoy canoeing, backpacking, camping, traveling to wild places around the country and world and reading a good book.

My greatest human inspiration is Calvin De Witt, founder of the Au Sable Institute and international speaker on the creation and stewardship.

From the Bible: Philippians 2:1-11.

From George Washington Carver: “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

I love teaching at Cornerstone because it gives me the opportunity to share my love of the creator and his creation with students. This enables them to understand how Christ the creator wove together his creation to show his “invisible qualities — His divine nature and eternal power … so men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

Robert Keys' CV

616.949.5300 ext. 1306

Rob/Keys|cornerstone/edu