Bonnie Ploger
Bonnie Ploger is a professor in the Biology Department and an artist in residence at the Center for Global Environmental Education. After growing up in Washington State, her curiosity about diverse places led her to Massachusetts for her BA in Biology from Mount Holyoke College, then to University of Oklahoma for her MS, University of Florida for her PhD in Zoology, and finally to Queen’s University in Canada for postdoctoral work.
Professor Ploger is a behavioral ecologist who regularly invites students to work with her on collaborative research projects on behavior, ecology, and conservation of animals. She has collaborated on about 40 such projects, which have included research outdoors in nature, at zoos, and in lab, on a wide variety of animals including mammals, birds, lizards, frogs, and insects. She also collaborates with students to develop teaching materials to use for hands-on activities for first graders through college students. These projects could include art activities to deepen appreciation and understanding of ecology or conservation. Professor Ploger’s commitment to advancing science teaching led her to co-edit, with Ken Yasukawa of Beloit College, the book Exploring Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field (2003, Academic Press) and its companion teacher’s guide.
As an artist in residence at the Center for Global Environmental Education, Professor Ploger develops teaching methods that integrate artmaking with ecological concepts to deepen understanding and environmental awareness. She shares these methods in interdisciplinary Hamline University courses and workshops for K-12 teachers, artists and the public. Professor Ploger’s artistic work includes paintings, photography, and art installations, which she frequently exhibits in university art galleries, museums and art centers in the upper Midwest. She has also exhibited internationally in a solo exhibition in Zhuhai, China, where she was the first artist in residence at United International College. View some of her artwork at her artist website.
Professor Ploger is convinced that the best way to learn biology is to creatively engage in discovery by doing original research. Understanding conservation biology and human health also require exploring social issues concerning race, ethnicity, class and gender. Her courses often include information about the intersection of these topics. In all her courses, Professor Ploger encourages her students to question assumptions, think critically, communicate effectively and learn independently. Whenever possible, her courses include direct experiences in nature, which are needed by anyone attempting to work toward solutions to today’s environmental problems, many of which also impact human health.
“I use outdoor exploration in all my classes, not only for research projects, but also to stimulate curiosity and a sense of wonder. In doing so, I hope students will enrich their lives by gaining a personal sense of connection with the natural world.”
—Bonnie Ploger
