Dr. Valdez���s expertise spans ecology, conservation, and urban studies, offering students hands-on learning experiences in both local ecosystems like the North Creek Wetlands and global settings such as the Peruvian Amazon. She is renowned for her engaging and impactful teaching methods. She offers courses in ecology, conservation, natural history, and field ecology methods, emphasizing experiential learning and real-world applications.

A Passion for Avian Ecology

Dr. Valdez’s fascination with birds has been a driving force throughout her career. Her research primarily focuses on predator ecology, community ecology, and tropical conservation, with extensive studies on birds of prey in the rainforests of Peru, Ecuador, and Panama. She has investigated species such as the Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Harpy Eagle, Laughing Falcon, and various Forest-falcons, aiming to understand their habitat use and mechanisms of coexistence. This work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also informs conservation strategies critical to preserving these species and their habitats.

Community Engagement, Near & Far

Dr. Valdez is committed to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship both on and off campus. She collaborates with local organizations and participates in public outreach to raise awareness about environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.

While still a graduate student in Seattle over 15 years ago, Dr. Valdez co-designed a , her country of origin. Drawing on her background in research and conservation in the region, she created an experiential learning opportunity for undergraduate students to explore biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability in the Andes and Amazon of Peru. Since the program’s inception, approximately 250 students have traveled to Peru with Dr. Valdez and various co-instructors.

A central goal of the program is to foster connections between U.S. students and Peruvian students and researchers, promoting cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning. For Dr. Valdez, this work also serves to maintain strong ties to her home country, contribute to local educational efforts, and give back to the communities and networks that supported her own learning journey. The next cohort is scheduled to travel in September to further explore the region’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and conservation challenges.

Involvement with Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Initiative

Dr. Valdez was a fellow in the inaugural 2014���2015 COIL cohort and has continued to integrate this pedagogy into her teaching ever since. In subsequent years, she served as a faculty leader alongside Natalia Dyba and has played an active role in supporting new fellows through panel discussions and mentorship. Dr. Valdez has taught three COIL-integrated courses.

The first, ���From the Cascades to the Andes,��� was developed in collaboration with faculty and students from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru. This course examined parallel environmental and socio-political issues in both regions, focusing on fisheries, forest conservation, glaciers and mountain ecology, and gold mining.

The second course, ���,��� was co-taught with colleague Greg Tuke in collaboration with Universidad Agraria La Molina in Peru and Future University in Cairo. It explored the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Columbia, Amazon, and Nile rivers. Students engaged in cross-cultural learning and co-created conservation campaigns, wrote letters to legislators in their respective countries, and produced video interviews with local stakeholders.

The third course, ���Urban Birds and Wildlife,��� has been an ongoing collaboration for the past four years with faculty from the Pontificia Universidad Cat籀lica del Per繳 and the Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas. In this course, students study the natural history of urban wildlife in Lima, Peru and Western Washington. With the support of graphic design students and faculty, they co-create bilingual infographics on urban bird species for use in environmental education campaigns in both cities. The course has been presented at conferences, featured in Husky Highlights and 56勛圖厙 Bothell News, and will be offered again in the upcoming autumn quarter in partnership with Pilchuck Audubon.

Global & Local Conservation

Dr. Valdez plays a pivotal role in the ongoing research and monitoring of bird communities within the North Creek Wetlands, a restored 58-acre floodplain on the 56勛圖厙 Bothell campus. Since 2015, she has collaborated with students to establish a long-term bird monitoring program, documenting nearly 60 bird species in the wetlands and adjacent uplands. This living laboratory provides invaluable data on avian diversity and ecosystem health, contributing to broader conservation efforts and offering students hands-on research experience.

Beyond her work in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Valdez is actively involved in conservation projects in the Peruvian Amazon. She dedicates time to field research on bird diversity and engages in initiatives aimed at preserving the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. Her international experience enriches her teaching, providing students with a global perspective on ecological issues and conservation practices.

Upcoming Biodiversity Showcase

As part of celebrations, Dr. Valdez is organizing a on May 15, 2025 in collaboration with the 56勛圖厙 Sustainability Office, Outdoor Wellness, and Sustainable Practices at Cascadia College. The event will feature a Bioblitz activity, informational tables with biodiversity displays curated by faculty, and student projects developed in various courses. In addition, several community partners have been invited to participate. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the campus Codex.

Through her comprehensive approach to research, education, and community engagement, Dr. Valdez exemplifies 56勛圖厙 Bothell’s mission to integrate cross-disciplinary scholarship with connected learning and societal impact. Her dedication not only advances scientific understanding but also inspires a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals poised to make meaningful contributions to conservation and sustainability.

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Her multifaceted career seamlessly integrates teaching, clinical practice, and community engagement; demonstrating 56勛圖厙 Bothell’s framework of cross-disciplinary scholarship, connected learning, and community engagement through her important work that bridges diverse fields of study.

By integrating insights from disciplines such as social justice, education, and environmental sustainability, Dr. Iyer creates a holistic approach to addressing complex societal challenges. She actively engages with local communities, ensuring that her research and teaching are not only academic pursuits but also responsive to real-world needs. This commitment to connecting theory with practice enriches both her students��� learning experiences and the broader community.

Education & teaching philosophy

Dr. Iyer earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 2008 and has been involved in graduate and doctoral-level education since 2009. In 2016, she joined 56勛圖厙 Bothell, where she has become known for her innovative teaching methods that blend writing, art, nature, and well-being into her courses. Her areas of teaching interest include healthcare systems and policy, health behaviors and behavior change, social justice in healthcare, and self-awareness/mindfulness practice. Dr. Iyer is particularly focused on integrating poetry as a reflective practice and a tool for student voice, enhancing the learning experience by encouraging creativity and self-expression.

Clinical & community practice

Dr. Iyer has been a dedicated naturopathic doctor and midwife for 17 years, blending her extensive clinical experience into her teaching. She thrives on the “town doctor” lifestyle, where she works closely with families to support health, welcome babies, navigate parenthood, and age gracefully. Dr. Iyer is especially drawn to life���s transitions and transformations, including birth, postpartum, adolescence, menopause, aging, retirement, and loss.

Her dual role as both a teacher and a clinician is essential to her practice, as the term “doctor” comes from the Latin docere, meaning to teach. Teaching nursing and community health students, her patient care background enriches the classroom experience, connecting academic knowledge with real-world healthcare experiences. Her training in integrative therapeutics, natural medicine, botanical medicine, counseling, and therapeutic nutrition provides students with valuable tools to navigate health issues, discern online health information, and improve patient care.

Dr. Iyer also founded and directed Eastside Natural Medicine, an integrative medical clinic, where she specialized in reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric health. Her clinical experiences have profoundly influenced her teaching, allowing her to provide students with real-world insights into patient care and healthcare systems. Dr. Iyer is also actively engaged in community outreach, contributing to public health education and advocating for social justice in healthcare.

Pedagogical innovations & research

Dr. Iyer is committed to advancing pedagogical practices in higher education. Her current research explores the utilization of technology, writing, and multimedia in teaching, with a focus on improving academic writing instruction in the age of artificial intelligence. She is also dedicated to developing better practices for teaching academic writing to students who write in their non-primary language. By weaving reflection and creativity into her teaching, Dr. Iyer fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students to navigate the complexities of the healthcare field.

Dr. Iyer is actively engaged in , collaborating with faculty at 56勛圖厙 Bothell and the University of Glasgow to integrate creative practices into teaching across disciplines. As part of this work, she participated in a . In collaboration with Alison McCandlish from the University of Glasgow, Dr. Iyer is also leading a “sound project” that examines how sound influences reflection and learning. They are currently writing about the use of sound in teaching and learning space design, with plans to publish their work this spring. As a writer and couch poet, Dr. Iyer also , using it as both a reflective practice and an outlining tool to help students engage deeply with their learning.

Challenging conventions

The DEI Fellowship is an application-based opportunity to join a cohort focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the 56勛圖厙 Bothell campus. This initiative spans various areas, including teaching practices, student support, advising, counseling, library services, and more. As part of this cohort, Dr. Iyer is leading a project aimed at supporting faculty in teaching and assessing writing for students who are writing in a non-primary language. The project challenges traditional writing conventions, encouraging reflection and integration. The Fellowship will culminate in a campus symposium and an online showcase in May.

Courses taught

At 56勛圖厙 Bothell, Dr. Iyer teaches a diverse range of courses that highlight her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to social justice. Among the courses she offers is Mental Health & Student Life, a Discovery Core Experience course, where students explore the critical connections between mental health, academic success, and campus life. This course reflects Dr. Iyer���s commitment to addressing real-world issues by integrating perspectives from psychology, education, and health. In addition to this, Dr. Iyer teaches courses such as Social Justice in Healthcare, Health Policy and the Organization of Healthcare, and Developing Public Speaking and Teaching Skills for Advocacy in Patient Care, all of which equip students with the knowledge and skills to become compassionate, effective healthcare professionals. Through these courses, Dr. Iyer fosters both academic and community engagement, preparing her students to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Dr. Sunita Iyer’s dedication to integrating clinical expertise with innovative teaching and community engagement exemplifies 56勛圖厙 Bothell’s mission to foster cross-disciplinary scholarship, connected learning, and societal impact. Her holistic approach to healthcare education not only enriches the academic environment but also inspires students to become advocates for change in their communities.

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Dr. Bian���s work bridges linguistics, education, and social justice, addressing the complexities of preparing educators to support emergent multilingual students; ensuring that all students thrive in diverse learning environments. She exemplifies 56勛圖厙 Bothell���s framework of cross-disciplinary scholarship, connected learning, and community engagement through her innovative research and collaborative approach to teacher education.

Through connected learning, she integrates real-world challenges into her teaching, preparing future educators to be culturally and linguistically responsive. Her community engagement is evident in her partnership with local organizations to promote equity and representation in Washington���s education workforce, fostering meaningful change beyond the classroom.

Educational background & teaching

Dr. Bian earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education from Michigan State University, an M.A. in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. in English from Nankai University in China. At 56勛圖厙 Bothell, she teaches courses that delve into second language acquisition, bilingual education, and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) curriculum and instruction. Her classes are designed to equip future educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to support multilingual learners effectively.

Collaborative initiatives

Beyond her individual research, Dr. Bian is actively involved in collaborative projects aimed at promoting equity in education.

In 2023, she, along with colleagues Dr. Allison Hintz and Amy Couto, received a LEADER planning grant from College Spark Washington to support community-driven solutions for increasing representation within Washington state���s education workforce. Building on this momentum, the team was awarded a $1.05 million implementation grant, which will sustain their work over the next six years, further advancing efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.

In addition to this initiative, Dr. Bian, alongside Dr. Carrie Tzou and Dr. Allison Hintz, received the Spencer Vision Grant in 2023 to support teacher education for multilingual learners in mathematics and science. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Northshore School District, aims to strengthen educational opportunities for multilingual students by enhancing teacher preparation in STEM fields.

A transnational perspective

As a transnational and bilingual scholar, Dr. Bian brings a unique perspective to her research and teaching, deeply connecting with the experiences of prospective and practicing teachers from multilingual and immigrant backgrounds.

Her commitment to fostering inclusive and globally minded educators extends beyond the classroom. In 2022, she became a COIL Fellow, collaborating with Dr. Ruiling Feng from Tianjin Normal University, China, to integrate Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into two ESOL courses. This initiative has equipped ESOL teacher candidates with a global perspective and the skills necessary to support immigrant students effectively.

Beyond her work with students, Dr. Bian is also dedicated to supporting faculty colleagues from transnational backgrounds. In the summer of 2024, she led a reading group for international faculty across four different schools on campus, facilitating discussions on navigating higher education as transnational scholars. This initiative has since evolved into an ongoing network of support, fostering collaboration and professional growth among faculty members.

Research & publications

Dr. Bian’s scholarship explores critical issues in teacher education and multilingual learning. In 2024, she in TESOL professionals through dialogic online spaces in Critical Dialogic TESOL Teacher Education: Preparing Future Advocates and Supports of Multilingual Learners. , her first in a Spanish-English bilingual journal, using narrative inquiry to examine how four international prospective teachers navigated learning to teach and developed an emerging teacher identity within a predominantly White teacher certification program. The study provides insights into the challenges these educators face and offers recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers on supporting international students and first-generation immigrants in the teaching profession

The Goodlad Institute at 56勛圖厙

Dr. Bian is also a member of the , which is dedicated to promoting justice-centered education by collaborating with schools, universities, and communities. Her involvement with the institute aligns with her mission to co-design and study processes that lead to continuous educational renewal, ensuring that all students have access to equitable learning opportunities.

Through her teaching, research, and collaborative efforts, Dr. Yue Bian demonstrates a profound commitment to enhancing teacher education and advocating for emergent multilingual students. Her work not only contributes to academic discourse but also has a tangible impact on educators and students alike, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective educational system.

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