Interviews & Media
Explore the fascinating world of dragonflies with me!
Three Rivers Park District
With over 149 dragonfly and damselfly species in Minnesota there is much to learn and observe. Dragonfly scientist Ami Thompson joins on this episode to talk about her study subject, the Common Green Darner, as she works towards a PhD in Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. Listen to learn more about this fascinating dragonfly that migrates.
The Wandering Naturalist podcast explores the natural and cultural history of the 27,000-acre Three Rivers Park District and the surrounding Twin Cities area. Hosted by Brandon Baker, an interpretive naturalist at Eastman Nature Center, and Wildlife Biologist Angela Grill, the podcast covers a new topic each month.
North Carolina PBS
Come wade through creeks with Ami Thompson, a researcher at NC Wesleyan who studies the mysterious dragonfly. While dragonflies spend most of their lives in water, living only a few weeks on land, they play pivotal roles in many ecosystems.
Hosted by veteran reporter Frank Graff, Sci NC highlights the latest science stories from North Carolina and across the nation, interviews leading scientists, shares fascinating demonstrations and engages North Carolinians with all things science.
The Lexicon
Dispatch #3: "Dragonflies" (and the Odonatologists who love them)
On The Crow is Produced by The Lexicon, a US-based NGO that provides communications strategy, mobilization and advocacy on food and agriculture. They collaborated with government agencies, universities, foundations, television networks, publishers, non-profits, community organizers and sustainability advocates from across the world. Douglas Gayeton, Chief Lexicographer and Co-founder of The Lexicon, is an award-winning information architect, filmmaker, photographer, and writer.
Wings Across the America Initiative
These videos were created by Peter Xiong and Ami Thompson to accompany the Dragonfly Curriculum Guide.
This is a 15 part video series for STEM educators and dragonfly enthusiasts - each video is designed to teach the teachers. Educators may decide to show these videos directly to their students, however these videos were created for a general audience.
The creation of these videos was sponsored by the USDA-Forest Service International Programs Division's Wings Across the Americas Program.
Driven to Discover - Citizen Science
Middle school students collect dragonfly and damselfly data for a citizen science program called the Odonata Central. See how these data contribute to research done by Scientist Ami Thompson at the University of Minnesota. Get inspired to get outside, contribute data and help scientists understand your local dragonfly populations.
The University of Minnesota Extension Citizen Science Program connects youth and adults to large scale scientific research projects. Volunteers follow prescribed protocols to collect and report essential data.
Driven to Discover - Citizen Science
University of Minnesota Researcher Ami Thompson searches for elusive dragonfly nymphs in a frozen pond. She and her team gather nymphs so she can measure them in the lab and better understand their growth in the winter.
The University of Minnesota Extension Citizen Science Program connects youth and adults to large scale scientific research projects. Volunteers follow prescribed protocols to collect and report essential data.
Photo by Scott Dodds
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
It's Science Tonight with Chris Smith! Dragonfly research does not always mean walking through tall grass swooping a net for specimens. Dr. Ami Thompson chases dragonflies with helicopters and chainsaws. We’ll talk about her work in Minnesota’s remote bogs, ice fishing for nymphs, finding a career in science, and the experience of being a woman in science.
Science Tonight is a livestream show for people who want to know more. Host Chris Smith talks with interesting people making exciting, everyday discoveries in science, nature, tech and more.
National Association for Interpretation
Ray Novotny, Naturalist Emeritus, Mill Creek Metroparks authored this article about Dr. Ami Thompson leading a team of biologists who attached MOTUS radio trackers onto common green darner dragonflies to study their migration. The article is on page 18 of the Fall 2023 issue.
The Naturalist is the official newsletter of the National Association for Interpretation Interpretive Naturalist Section.
Educational Design
I analyze, create, and assess educational materials like science curricula, online learning modules, and interpretive wayside and exhibit text. My skills and experiences overlap with instructional design.
Featured Writing Partner: I've worked with a team at the 106 Group to research and write interpretive text. The example to the right was created for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Image credited to the 106 Group/Chris Evans.
BOOKS AUTHORED
DRAGONFLY CURRICULUM GUIDE
POLLINATORS CITIZEN SCIENCE CURRICULUM
DRAGONFLIES CITIZEN SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Check out the National Science Teachers Association's Review of the Dragonfly Curriculum Guide
DRAGONFLY CURRICULUM GUIDE - SPANISH VERSION
DRAGONFLY CURRICULUM GUIDE - PORTUGUESE VERSION
PHENOLOGY CITIZEN SCIENCE CURRICULUM
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES: MODEL ORGANISMS
(CHAPTER 29 CO-AUTHOR)
BIRDS CITIZEN SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Teaching & Workshops
I work directly with teachers, schools, districts, universities, and other educational organizations providing STEM professional development. I'm well-known for my Dragonfly Educator Workshops. Contact me to discuss setting up future workshops.
DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS
“
I think this is the BEST training, related to science,
I have ever received.
“
The experience was one of a kind and I’m sure my
middle schoolers will
feel the same way
“
Really well prepared workshop and you get a lot for you money. Tons of free resources materials and activities. We were always moving and learning something new, never bored!
Clear objective, high quality resource materials, knowledgeable, personable, enthusiastic
“
“
Fun. Organized. Professional. Great take aways. Good Knowledge of the Science! Thank you!!
“
Entertaining, interesting, and very informative perfect teacher educator! Thanks!!
Resources
Dragonfly Curriculum Guide Supplemental Resources
Passwords for protected files are either Dragon88 or Dragon99.
The Spanish and Portuguese language translations and video development were funded by the U.S.D.A Forest Service - International Programs Division.
Slide Shows and Images
1. Photos of Odes (English) PDF
1. Fotos de Odes (Spanish) PDF
2. Ode Name Game (Spanish) PDF
BIO
I am currently the Director of the Liebman Institute for Science Innovation at McHenry County College* in Illinois. I earned my PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota and was biology faculty in North Carolina for five years. Before entering academia, I was a state naturalist (Wisconsin and Minnesota) and a National Park Ranger.
I established this science education consulting business in 2008. I work with teachers, students, universities, government, and industry professionals to design education materials, provide STEM professional development workshops, increase science literacy, and to promote diversity in science.
*this website is my own, and not associated in any way with my employer
For for information about my academic teaching or research experience please contact me and request my full CV.
