Described by her students as fun and vivacious, Professor Kamelia “Kammy” Algiers has made her mark at Ventura College.
For four years, Algiers has helped progress the Department of Biological Sciences, teaching Field Biology and Principles of Biology labs and lectures, as well as running the Biology Club.
Algiers has seven years of teaching under her belt, teaching at such institutions as CSU Northridge and other junior colleges, but Algiers has not always been a big fan of biology.
Going into her first year of college Algiers claimed to have an undeclared major. She decided to get her Bachelor’s Degree in biology and began growing fond of areas such as ecology and evolution. As the years went on, her interest expanded to the plants and animals aspect. She even had the opportunity to take a Tropical Biology Course in Costa Rica for one semester. It was during her time in Costa Rica that she grew passionate about this field.
While going for her Master’s Degree at CSU Northridge, Algiers was given the chance to run a couple of lab courses. This opportunity stirred her interest in teaching, and she realized that teaching became something she actually enjoyed.
“Teaching wasn’t something I planned on doing,” she said. “Work just kind of picked up more and more and it was easy and fun.”
As fun as it is, the thing Algiers loves most about teaching is being an inspiration to others. She encourages students to take more biology classes and hopes to inspire them to do more in the field.
“Because there is so much you can do,” Algiers explained, “and a lot of people come into my class and they have no idea how broad biology is.”
Algiers wants nothing but the best for her students. She says her proudest moments are when former students get into good schools and come back to share their excitement.
Danielle Torres, a 21-year-old anthropology major, is among Algier’s many former students.
“The thing I loved about her class was that she was really passionate about what she was teaching, and it showed,” she said.
Algier’s passion has also led to the founding of Ventura College’s first ever Biology Club. The campus organization began about two-and-a-half years ago, when a group of students from her Field Biology class showed interest in doing things outside of class.
Since then, the club has done plenty of volunteer work around the community, taking part in a number of activities with elementary and high school students including planting, pulling weeds, clearing out ice plant on local islands and bringing awareness to other students.
“I think the club’s outreach is the biggest benefit,” Algiers said.
Algiers would consider these field activities to be hobbies of hers as well. In addition to all-things biology, she also enjoys travelling. Algiers has been to places such as Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Belize, and Brazil, but she hopes to travel through all of Latin America some day.
