Biography
Dr. Downing is a Professor at DePaul University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. He is a paleobiologist with research interests that include the investigation of fossil mammals and corals, online science learning practices, as well as the application of GIS to historic data around Edward DeVere and Shakespeare authorship. He is the author of numerous publications in geology, paleontology and science education and is the co-author of the book, Online Science Learning: Best Practices and Technologies. His primary areas of student instruction are paleobiology, mammalogy, physical geography, natural resources, environmental change, biodiversity and research methods.
Dr. Downing received B.S. degrees in Astronomy and Geology (University of Illinois-Champaign), an M.S.T. in Geology (University of Florida-Gainesville), and Ph.D. in Geosciences with a minor in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology (University of Arizona, Tucson).
Recent publications
Downing, K.F., and Holtz, J.K., (2018). Designing Online Undergraduate Research Experiences in STEM (OURES): Concepts and Strategies. In Linder, K.E. & Mattison Hayes, C., Eds. High impact practices in online education: Research and best practices. Sterling, VA: Stylus. pp. 101-117
Downing, K. F., (2016). Developing online earth science courses. In Kennepohl, D. K. Teaching science online: Practical guidance for effective instruction and lab work. Stylus Publishing, LLC, pp. 46-66.
Downing, K.F., and Holtz, J.K., (2012). Best Practices for Online Paleontology Instruction. In Teaching Paleontology in the 21st Century, The Paleontological Society Special Publications, Volume 12, Margaret M. Yacobucci and Rowan Lockwood (eds.), pp. 109-122.
Downing, K. F., 2011. The Human Evolutionary Transition from Religion to Science, in: Enduring Questions Is the theory of evolution compatible with evolution. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Downing, K.F., and Holtz, J.K., (2011). Incorporating 3D Virtual Laboratory Specimens to Enhance Online Science: Examples from Paleontology and Biology. Chapter 14, 219-238 in Teaching With Digital Media: Best Practices and Innovations in Higher Education. Thomas D. Cox and Kathleen P. King Eds.: Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Antoine, P.O., Downing, K.F., Crochet, J-Y, Duranthon, F., Flynn, L.J., Marivaux,L., Metais, G., Abdul Rahim Rajpar, A. & Ghazala, R. (2010). A revision of Aceratherium blanfordi Lydekker, 1884 (Mammalia: Rhinocerotidae) from the early Miocene of Pakistan: postcranials as a key. Zoological Journal of the Linnaean Society, 160:139-194.
Holtz, J. K. and Downing, K. F. (2009). Valuing Science and Science Learning as Global Capital. In Handbook of Blended Shore Education: Adult Program Development and Delivery. Strohschen, G., Ed. New York: Springer.
Downing, K. F. and Holtz, J.K. (2008). Online Science Learning: Best Practices and Technologies. Hershey, PA: IGI Global Publishing. 353p.
Downing K. F., 2005. A new enigmatic large Rhinocerotid from the upper member of the Chitarwata Formation at Zinda Pir Dome, Western Pakistan.Palaeontologia Electronica,8:1, 20A
Downing K. F. and Lindsay, E. H. 2005. Relationship of Chitarwata Formation paleodrainage and paleoenvironments to Himalayan Tectonics and Indus River paleogeography. Palaeontologia Electronica, 8:1, 20A.
Lindsay, E.H, Flynn, L.J., Cheema, I.U., Barry, J.C., Downing, K.F., Rajpar, A.R. and Raza, S.M. 2005. Will Downs and the Zinda Pir Dome.Palaeontologia Electronica, 8:1, 19A.