​Darwin: Books, Beetles, and Botany

​David is a professor in the biology department at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. He teaches General Biology, Zoology, Evolution and Ecology, Biological Field Study, and Human Anatomy & Physiology. David was a member of the scientific advisory board for the Great Lakes Zoological Society. He has researched and/or published studies on venomous snakes, turtles, trophic ecology and animal behavior. He was an interpretive guide at the Chippewa Nature Center, Midland, MI where he taught environmental education programs to school groups and adults. He received his BS and MS from Central Michigan University in Biology/Chemistry, and attended the University of Florida for his doctoral work in Zoology. During his doctoral work, Wooten found his niche in teaching and withdrew from the research program to return to Michigan and pursue college teaching. His pedagogy incorporates the teaching and application of current research findings, evolution, behavioral ecology, and the conservation of biodiversity into a critical-thinking college classroom.

 

Wooten's interest in Darwin and related publications stems from both a personal interest, as well as an academic instrument.  While collecting antique biology books for some time, Wooten began bringing his historical relics into the classroom to inspire and interpret the history of evolutionary theory.  He developed a structured and concise lecture presentation on what can be a sensitive and misunderstood topic for students.  The end result has been overwhelming positive feedback from both students and colleagues who have attended his evolution lecture.  Thus, from the college classroom Prof.Wooten has adapted this experience into a bibliographical story of the most significant theory in all of biology.  Darwin: Books, Beetles, and Botany is the culmination of those efforts.

 

David lives in Ann Arbor, MI with his wife Michelle (Spanish Professor at Washtenaw Community College).  Combined they have three children and are active in the community and MEA, enjoy outdoor recreation, downtown food and activities, and travel.

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