Acknowledgements

This book would not exist without the students who created the content for various assignments while enrolled in my (Erin’s) Applied Ecology (AEC 400) at NC State University, or without Emily Rund’s dedicated curation. Emily’s pedagogical enthusiasm refined my vision and enhanced the content and resources herein – particularly the skeletal outlines, which she prepared to support future students’ learning. Dorian Hayes, Helena Jolly, Em Trentham, Kelly Koehler, and Lucie Ciccone – former AEC 400 students – provided critical feedback as part of a focus group to review sample content, which informed the chapter organization to make our book more user-friendly. Their reflections on the class also lent welcome insight to students’ learning experiences and how my course structure and content differ compared to other courses. These reflections, in turn, helped shape the cover art so brilliantly rendered by Lucie Ciccone. Finally – and especially – great thanks to NC State University Libraries, whose incredible staff and innovative programs made this book possible. David Tully and Will Cross introduced me to “no throw away assignments”, PressBooks, and other open inclusive teaching approaches in the inaugural Open Pedagogy Incubator at NC State University; and they have continued to foster and encourage my growth and innovation. David and Hillary Fox have been indispensable in fielding my many, many questions as Emily and I compiled the textbook; and, together with Tisha Mentnech and Danica Lewis, keep me brave and excited to explore new ways to make science more welcoming and accessible to students of all lived experiences.