Dr. W.F. Preston Cumming received his PhD in Geography in 2013 from the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. Although he now focuses mainly on teaching and learning, Preston’s primary scientific research interests lie in ecology and biometeorology, working on micro- and macro-climatic variability and how both native and non-native plant species respond. His post-doctoral work was in Botany at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. Prior to becoming a Professional Development Lead for the CTL, he was a Lead Coordinator for STEM and Social Sciences with the Graduate Teacher Program for 5 years, a position he previously held from 2011-2012 as a doctoral student while also serving as the Lead Graduate Student for Geography from 2010-2012. He has taught at the university level since 2008 when he worked as an adjunct for the CU Denver’s CU Succeed Program at two area high schools teaching Introductory Geography, Environmental Science and Geology as well as being a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Part-time Instructor in Physical Geography, Biogeography, Research Methods, Teaching Practicum, and Pedagogy at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ. Additionally, he has worked within the Graduate and Professional Student and Post-Doctoral Fellow Special Interest Group with the Professional and Organizational Development Network, a national organization for faculty and graduate student development and an Administrative Co-Leader for the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning on the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ campus. Preston is currently working towards his master’s degree in Higher Education through the School of Education at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.
Preston loves to be outside and is an avid snowboarder, runner, skateboarder and fisherman when he gets free time. He has lived in many wonderful places and absolutely adores his home in Colorado.Â