Teaching philosophy

Give students more
ways to learn.

Teaching begins with meeting students where they are, then building the confidence, practical experience, and intellectual independence to take the next step.

Karl Kerns teaching with graduate student Ian Shofner
01

Learn by doing

Hands-on anatomy, physiology, imaging, and research experiences connect foundational concepts to animal health and production.

02

Technology with purpose

Virtual anatomy, image-based tools, and a course-aligned AI tutor expand access to feedback while supporting—not replacing—human instruction.

03

Mentorship as teaching

Graduate and undergraduate researchers learn to ask sharper questions, communicate evidence, lead teams, and carry projects from discovery to impact.

Karl Kerns and students using the anatomy and physiology AI tutor

Iowa State teaching news

An AI tutor built around the course.

The ANS 2140L tutor provides consistent, on-demand guided practice, flashcards, and feedback. Early course results showed higher final grades among students who used it—especially frequent users.

Read the CALS feature ↗

Immersive anatomy

A life-size window into anatomy and physiology.

The virtual anatomy table lets students rotate, isolate, and explore systems in three dimensions alongside hands-on laboratory work—making spatial relationships visible to an entire class.

See the Iowa State feature →
Students using Iowa State's virtual anatomy table

Courses & contributions

From anatomy to enterprise.

ANS 2140L

Domestic Animal Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory

Large-enrollment, small-group laboratory instruction supported by physical specimens, virtual anatomy, and guided AI practice.

ANS 4560X

Entrepreneurship & Opportunity Recognition

Students connect animal science knowledge with customer discovery, innovation, and enterprise development.

ANS 5490

Advanced Vertebrate Physiology

Graduate instruction in male reproductive physiology and contemporary experimental approaches.

Research mentoring

Undergraduate & graduate scholarship

Authentic participation in experimental design, analysis, scientific writing, conference presentation, and peer mentorship.

Related Iowa State newsNew animal enterprise and innovation degree prepares students for industry