Cindy J. Fitzwilliams-Heck

Cindy J. Fitzwilliams-Heck is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Ferris State University, part of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching biology in higher education, she specializes in environmental education and natural resources conservation.

• PhD in Education (Environmental Adult Education Leadership) from Walden University
• MA in Biology from Central Michigan University
• BS in Biology Education from Ferris State University

Her research focuses on experiential, place-based approaches to teaching and learning watershed social-ecological concepts, aiming to enhance awareness of natural resources and promote sustainability practices. She actively collaborates with organizations such as the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA).

Key themes in her work include:

• Experiential learning frameworks
• Place-based watershed education
• Environmental stewardship
• Adult education pedagogy
• Sustainable natural resource management

Her professional activities span program evaluation, educator certification workshops, and community outreach initiatives, reflecting her commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world ecological challenges.