"My outside experiences allow me to link my theoretical work more closely to issues in the real world," she writes in an e-mail, "My work acquires more texture and depth. I frequently draw examples from my outside work in both teaching and writing."

Jasanoff cited her undergraduate course on environmental politics, which is being offered for the first time this year, as one that draws heavily on her outside experiences.

Dershowitz also says that all of his outside work relates to his primary job as a professor.

"I only take cases and work on books that relate to my teaching," he says. "The students appreciate the fact that I have experience that enhances the classes."

Putnam says his experience affects his role as an educator directly.

"I'm probably a better teacher because of my experiences," he says.

Katerina Linos '00, who participated in Putnam's undergraduate seminar last year, agrees that the class gains a new dimension if the instructor is intimately familiar with his field.