Instruction of undergraduate students in the fundamentals of (Introductory and General) chemistry.
Teaching, to me, is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about being a role model during a critical time in students' lives as they discover who they are. I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional educators who left a lasting impact on me—Mrs. Littlefield, Mr. Cahil, Carol Murphree, Bill Noeth, Denis Auroux, Steve Buchwald, Greg Fu, Tom Maimone and Rob Knowles. These individuals not only taught me their subjects but shaped who I am today through their character, passion, and dedication to teaching. Their influence extended far beyond the classroom, and their names stay with me to this day. As a university instructor, I know I am interacting with students at a defining moment in their lives, and I hope to have a similarly meaningful impact on their development, both academically and personally.
In my classroom, I strive to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that keeps students actively involved in the subject matter. To foster participation, I regularly pause for student questions and initiate discussions by posing questions to the class. This approach not only helps students process and retain the material but also gives me real-time feedback on what concepts are well understood and which areas need further clarification.
A key element of my teaching philosophy is cultivating a classroom that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all students. I recognize, however, that the traditional lecture setting may not be ideal for every student’s learning style. To support those who may benefit from a more personalized approach, I strongly encourage students to attend office hours, where I can offer tailored assistance in a more relaxed environment. Understanding that each student learns differently, I strive to explain concepts in multiple ways, whether through analogies, visuals, or step-by-step breakdowns, in order to reach as many learners as possible.
While teaching presents its challenges, there is no greater reward than witnessing a student grasp a concept they’ve been working hard to understand. Throughout my own educational journey, I found immense satisfaction in helping my peers comprehend material, and now, as an instructor, I have the privilege of doing that every day. I take pride in knowing that I am playing a role in shaping the next generation of scientists, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to make a meaningful impact on the world.