Teaching

My teaching philosophy centers on growth mindset pedagogy, metacognitive reflection, and equitable instruction. Rather than treating laboratory courses as passive "cookbook" exercises, I design learning environments where experimental failure is normalized as critical data, and students build the confidence, technical proficiency, and problem-solving resilience needed for real-world STEM research. 

CHEM 3L: Introduction to Advanced Laboratory Practices

  • Undergraduate Chemistry Majors

  • Course Overview:
    Designed from the ground up to bridge introductory chemistry and authentic upper-division research. Moving away from traditional weekly "cookbook" labs, CHEM 3L centers around an iterative approach—allowing students to complete guided-inquiry experiments, reflect on failures, redesign their procedures, and re-execute them.

  • Key Focus:

    • Advanced laboratory techniques and instrumental design.

    • Developing metacognitive awareness and troubleshooting skills.

    • Scientific communication and "Plan C" experimental design reflections.

CHEM 501A: Teaching Techniques in Chemistry

  • Incoming Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs)

  • Course Overview:
    A discussion-based seminar and professional development workshop designed to train incoming graduate student TAs in equitable, effective, and evidence-based teaching practices.

  • Key Focus:

    • Active learning strategies, facilitating discussion, and grading equity.

    • Managing laboratory environments safely and supportively.

    • Mentoring undergraduate researchers and navigating teacher-student dynamics.

CHEM 2AL & CHEM 2BL: General Chemistry Laboratory Series

  • Undergraduate STEM Students

  • Course Overview:
    The core foundational laboratory sequence in introductory general chemistry. Having led curriculum redesign efforts to condense and modernize this sequence, these courses focus on hands-on experimental practice, data analysis, accuracy, and foundational chemical safety.

  • Key Focus:

    • Fundamental wet lab techniques, measurement precision, and scientific record-keeping.

    • Inclusive learning environments supported by dedicated center office hours (e.g., ONDAS Center) for first-generation student success.

    • Skill transfer from general concepts to analytical reasoning.

CHEM 3A: General Chemistry I

  • Undergraduate Chemistry Majors
  • Course Overview:
    • The first course in the general chemistry sequence designed specifically for chemistry majors. Integrating fundamental chemical principles with collaborative problem-solving, weekly discussion sections pair a Graduate Teaching Assistant with four Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs) to provide high-touch, small-group instruction that reinforces complex quantitative and theoretical concepts.
  • Key Focus:
    • Atomic structure, stoichiometry (reaction and solution), and gas laws.
    • Quantum mechanics, electronic structure of atoms, and chemical bonding theories (molecular shapes, hybridization, and molecular orbital theory).
    • Peer-led active learning and collaborative problem-solving during tiered TA/ULA discussion sections.

    • Inclusive learning environments supported by dedicated center office hours (e.g., ONDAS Center) for first-generation student success.