Profile
John R Cummings
Biological Sciences
Principal Lecturer
864-656-2328
Jordan Hall 304 [Lab]
Long Hall 139 [Office]
Long Hall 139A [Office]
Educational Background
MS, Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, 1988
BS, Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, 1983
Research Interests
High enrollment instruction
GTA training
Barn owl biology
Small mammale movement patterns
Courses Taught
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Mammalogy
Exercise Physiology
Field Ecology
Graduate Colloquium
General Biology I
General Biology II
Welcome to the Gene Age
Ornithology
Service Learning
Selected Publications
Cummings, J. R. and S. H. Vessey, “Agricultural influences on movement patterns of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus),” American Midland Naturalist,132,209-218 (1994).
Cummings, J. Field Guide to Histology, (2017) Bluedoor, Minnesota.
Cummings, J. and D. Smith, Biology 103: Instrumentation and Techniques, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) Hayden-McNeil, Michigan.
Cummings, J. and D. Smith, Biology 104 Laboratory Manual, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) Hayden-McNeil, Michigan.
Helms, D., C. Helms, R. Kosinski and J. Cummings, “Biology in the laboratory, 3rd edition (1998) W. H. Freeman and Company, New York.
Cooper, M. M., J. R. Cummings, and J. L. Dickey, “TA Training Videotape Series: Cheating,” Clemson University (1992).
Cooper, M. M., J. R. Cummings, and J. L. Dickey, “TA Training Videotape Series: The Unprepared TA,” Clemson University (1991).
Cooper, M. M., J. R. Cummings, and J. L. Dickey, “TA Training Videotape Series: The First Day,” Clemson University (1991).
Cooper, M. M., J. R. Cummings, and J. L. Dickey, “TA Training Videotape Series: Involving Students.” Clemson University (1991).
Selected Talks
Farrell, C. and J. Cummings. “An Anatomy Color by Numbers App Used as a Mechanism to Reduce Student Anxiety and Increase Competency.” 37th Annual Conference of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, Albuquerque, NM. (2023)
Cummings, J., K. Allender and K. Vest. “Utilizing Undergraduate Laboratory Assistants: Strengthening the Skeleton of Laboratory Instruction.” 31st Annual Conference of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, Salt Lake City, UT (2017).
Cummings, J. and R. Hardwick. “Got DNA? Biotechnology experiences at the SC DNA Learning Center.” 32nd Annual Conference of the South Carolina Science Council, Myrtle Beach, SC (2007).
Cummings, J and D. Ivankovic, “How prepared are college freshman for biology?” 29th Annual Conference of the South Carolina Science Council, North Charleston, SC (2004).
Cummings, J and D. Ivankovic, “DNA sequencing, an extension beyond current classroom techniques,” 29th Annual Conference of the South Carolina Science Council, North Charleston, SC (2004).
Cummings, J. and T. Kaisa, “Using a simple metabolic chamber for an inquiry-based laboratory investigation,” National Science Teacher’s Association (NSTA) Regional Meeting, Portland, OR (2002).
Cummings, J., D. Smith and T. Kaisa, “An alternative to custom publishing: a biology laboratory curriculum on the web,” National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Annual Meeting, Montreal (2001).
Layfield, D., J. Cummings and J. Scott, Jr., “That's owl folks: assessing agricultural educators' perceptions of agriscience integration using demonstrations and focus groups,” Southern Agricultural Education Conference, Fort Worth, TX (2001).
Cummings, J., “Mitosis and Meiosis: Old Topics with a New Delivery,” Advanced Technology Center, Clemson SC (1997).
Morse, J. and J. Cummings, “Foot preference and its relationship to brain asymmetry in the domestic chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus,” American Association for the Advancement of Science, Atlanta, GA (1995).
Cummings, J. R. and J. L. Dickey, “TAs in HELL (High Enrollment Laboratory Learning): Results from a survey on the use of teaching assistants in biology labs,” The Fourth National Conference on the Training and Employment of Graduate Teaching Assistants, Chicago, IL (1993).
Dickey, J., M. Cooper and J. Cummings, “Selected activities from the Clemson University College of Sciences TA training experience,” The Fourth National Conference on the Training and Employment of Graduate Teaching Assistants, Chicago, IL (1993).
Dickey, J. L. and J. R. Cummings, “Survey on large enrollment laboratories: Preliminary results,” Association for Biology Laboratory Education, Las Vegas, NV (1992).
Vessey, S. H. and J. R. Cummings, Why do adult male white-footed mice have larger home ranges than do females?” Animal Behavior Society, Missoula, MT (1988).
Honors and Awards
Pearson Excellence in Higher Education Award, Championing Student Success category, 2024
Dr. Ted G Westmoreland Award for Faculty Excellence, 2023
College of Science Excellence in Teaching Award, 2023
Phil Prince Innovation in Teaching Award, 2020
Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society Extraordinary Educator Award, 2019
CAFLS Outstanding Teaching Award, 2014
Alumni Master Teacher Award, 2010
Outstanding Service to Collegiate Shooting Sports, NRA, 1995.
