Meet Our Faculty: Rachael Bateman

My teaching style is a true hybrid, allowing me to tailor my classes to my students’ needs while infusing the experience with my own personality and enthusiasm. In my lecture courses, I act as a demonstrator and coach, bringing the material to life through multimedia presentations, interactive activities, and live demonstrations. In the lab, I shift into a delegator and guide, relying on guided discovery and inquiry-based learning so students can get hands-on and experience the scientific method for themselves.

Because science is AWESOME, and I absolutely love sharing that passion with my students! If you are not a science major, that is completely okay—many majors at CSM require a science credit, and I strive to make the material accessible, fascinating, and relevant to your life. I always ask my students to share their honest opinions on Rate My Professors, and I genuinely hope you will consider joining one of my classes!

Like many others in STEM, my passion for nature started in childhood. I remember the pure wonder of making close observations and asking questions about the world around me. I love all living things, whether I'm hanging out with my two dogs (Buddy and Boo), caring for my axolotls (Bubbles and Reptar) and my Regal jumping spider (Spot), tending to my earthworm farm, or growing everything from tomatoes to bioluminescent plants in my garden!

Beyond my own backyard, I am deeply invested in community science and hands-on environmental stewardship. I care a great deal about the health of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay watersheds, and my professional and student-led research initiatives focus heavily on understanding local aquatic species, monitoring water quality, and exploring biological methods for pollution remediation. 

Science certainly has its problematic aspects—such as a history of excluding diverse voices or instances where a drive for "progress" lacks ecological foresight. But at its best, the experience of doing science and sharing what we learn can generate a profound sense of compassion, connection, and humility. My biggest piece of advice: never fear trying something new. Accept the challenge, because the outcomes really can be some of the most wonderful things you'll ever experience.

Yes! I also serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where I mentor other adjunct faculty and teach online courses, including BIOL103 Introduction to Biology; BIOL230 General Microbiology; BIOL301 Human Health and Disease; and BIOL302 Bacteria, Viruses, and Health.