Taft faculty members are not only exceptional teachers and mentors, they are also leading voices in their respective fields. Three recently shared their knowledge and work with the broader education communities.

Science Teacher Michael McAloon continues to be a leading voice in the global scientific community. Known widely for his research on Peruvian stingless bees and their pollen, McAloon and University of Binghamton researcher Lindsey Swierk saw their work published in Herpetology Notesis an online-only and open access journal, published by the Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH) beside its main flagship journal, Amphibia-Reptilia. The goal of the publication is to assemble a database of herpetological knowledge on a broad spectrum of topics, including the natural history and distribution of amphibians and reptiles.

In their published piece, Mosquito ectoparasitism and potential body colouration defense in the Banded Tree Anole, McAloon and Swierk report observations regarding differences in the body striping of male and female Banded Tree Anoles in Amazonian forests. Their observations lay groundwork for future research into a potential anti-ectoparasite function of body striping in female A. transversalis, which may show parallels to the anti-ectoparasite function of mammal stripes, and that males and females of this species differently prioritize traits that protect them from parasitism. Read the full article here.

Dean of Students Lindsay Leal recently wrote about her time at the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi) Leadership Lab for the gcLi website. You can read the full article here.

“The week-long experience reshaped how I think about leadership, relationships, and my role as an educator,” Leal notes. “What I found was a program that challenged me to think not just about how I lead but why I lead. The gcLi’s emphasis on relational leadership was transformative.”

In addition to her duties as Taft’s Dean of Students, Leal is currently enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s (Penn GSE) School Leadership program.

Assistant Head of School for Student Life Jeremy LaCasse also shared his expertise though gcLi. In his podcast episode, Turning the Tide on Phone Use in Schools, LaCasse discusses the changes surrounding phone use in educational settings. He reports that Taft’s phone-free policy during class hours has led to improved student interactions and relationships. The podcast discussion explores the reasons behind the delayed action on phone policies, the positive outcomes of the ban, and the importance of engaging with technology in a way that supports student growth. The episode concludes with reflections on gratitude and the community’s role in fostering a positive learning environment. Listen to the podcast here.