Maureen C. Whalen

She is one of those few teacher's I've had who not only totally knew the subject she was teaching, but also is committed to learning more about her field.

In her lectures, she takes her time explaining things to make sure everyone is keeping up with her and really gets to know what she's teaching them. She has a clear speaking voice(very important)...except for the occasional stuttering.

All in all, I would without a doubt recommend her class...especially for majors in the college of sciences.

If you're in her class and wondering whether or not to get the lecture supplement- don't hesitate...GET IT! IT WILL HELP YOU, especially on exams. Speaking of exams... MAKE AN OUTLINE for yourself from the study guides...it'll also help you out SOOO MUCH on the final!

Maureen Whalen is totally passionate about plant biology and about cell and molecular biology, to the point where its almost funny--but always completely endearing, and in a way that makes you also passionate about whatever it is she's talking about. She's also very accessible to students, helpful with questions and in my experience anyway, treats students like interesting adults and not like children. She also gave me excellent advice when, after bio 230, I was trying to figure out how to pursue my interests further (which were not in her area of expertise). I also can report from friends that students who work in her lab like her and learn a lot, and that she is very good at nourishing students who do work in her field of interest. She is so interested and excited about biology, and such a naturally good teacher, that one can't help but catch some of the enthusiasm.

That said, she's plenty tough in exams and grading, so don't mistake "warm" and "enthusiastic" with "easy"--she's not, at least not in this class. And of course, the class itself, being a broad survey, is going to have some parts to it which even a great teacher won't get you to be interested in. I personally have a hard time getting particularly excited about plants, but if I've ever been excited about plants, it's been in Maureen's lectures.