CIRTL Institutional Leader
Robert Jacobsen, Ph.D. serves part-time as TLI’s CIRTL Institutional Leader. In his role, he oversees the UT CIRTL course “Facilitate Undergraduate Evidence-based Learning (F.U.E.L.)”, convenes the unit’s CIRTL Advisory Board, and collaborates on professional development opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral associates with other units and departments across the campus.
Jacobsen earned both a doctorate degree and a Master of Science degree in Geology from UT. His specialization is in the geology of Mars. He has received associate-level training in CIRTL, and level 1 training in Collaborative Communication, a process that facilitates dialogue through humble inquiry, active listening, and collective generation of emerging ideas.
In addition to his work for TLI, Jacobsen is a full-time lecturer for the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, and serves as their department’s Teaching and Learning Specialist. In addition, he is the Assistant Director of the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium, facilitated by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. At the Space Grant Consortium, Jacobsen manages several outreach programs focusing on undergraduate research, experiential learning in engineering, and K-12 science education.