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TEACHING
As a dedicated educator and neuroscience enthusiast, my journey through teaching and mentoring reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for sharing knowledge. Here are some highlights of my teaching career:
Teaching Philosophy: My teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that education is more than the transmission of information; it is about inspiring a profound understanding and a genuine curiosity about the brain and behavior. By creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment, I strive to empower students to think critically, apply knowledge creatively, and cultivate a lifelong interest in neuroscience.
Student Feedback Highlights
Students consistently praise my teaching for its clarity, engagement, and effectiveness. With an average effectiveness rating of 5.0, they appreciate my ability to distill complex material into concise, understandable takeaways. My enthusiasm for the subject matter and passion for teaching are often cited as key factors in fostering an engaging and exciting learning environment.
I am also recognized for my clear explanations and supportive approach, ensuring every student's understanding is solid before moving on to new concepts. Students note my thorough preparation, resourcefulness, and the use of visual aids to enhance their learning experience. Additionally, my interactive teaching style, which emphasizes active recall, creates a welcoming space where students feel comfortable participating and engaging with the material.
While student feedback is overwhelmingly positive, I remain committed to continuously improving the learning experience. I actively embrace suggestions, such as adjusting the depth of concept reviews and refining group work dynamics, viewing these as opportunities to enhance my teaching strategies and better serve my students.
My dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. As a Content Developer, Science Writer, and Managing Editor, I’ve honed my ability to distill complex scientific knowledge into accessible and engaging content. Whether through articles or educational resources, I strive to inspire a broader audience with the wonders of neuroscience and foster a deeper appreciation for the field.
Teaching Experience
During my time at Harvard University, I served as the Head Teaching Fellow for MCB80 "Neurobiology of Behavior" from August 2022 to December 2023. In this role, I led a team of 14 Teaching Fellows, working closely with the lead professor to design and refine the curriculum. I introduced innovative, hands-on workshops and engaging assignments, while also developing exams and grading problem sets. My commitment to enhancing the learning experience earned me Harvard’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching for both Fall 2022 and Fall 2023. I also conducted weekly office hours, offering individualized support to students, and led 75-minute discussion sections for a group of 12-15 undergraduates, ensuring their active engagement with the material.
In addition to my in-person teaching experience, I adapted the content from MCB80 into a fully online course, Fundamentals of Neuroscience, offered through HarvardX on the EdX platform. This project involved developing comprehensive assessment materials, including tests and quizzes, to ensure that students could meet each unit's learning objectives in the virtual format.
Prior to these roles, I served as a Teaching Fellow for MCB80 from August 2020 to December 2021, receiving Harvard’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching for Fall 2021. During these two years, I developed and executed lesson plans that covered fundamental topics such as the neurobiology of perception, learning, memory, emotion, and neurological disorders. I adapted to the unique challenges of remote teaching, using both Zoom and in-person methods to maintain a dynamic and interactive learning environment, while continuing to provide weekly office hours for additional student support.
In Spring 2021, I served as a Teaching Fellow for MCB115 "Cellular Basis of Neuronal Function." In this course, I mentored a cohort of 12 undergraduates, guiding them through 75-minute interactive lectures that covered topics like excitable membranes, neurotransmission, ion channels, dendritic integration, and synaptic plasticity. I utilized real-world examples from neuronal circuits to illustrate these concepts, ensuring high levels of student engagement, even in a fully remote learning environment. My efforts were recognized with Harvard’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching for Spring 2021.
Additionally, from June 2021 to August 2022, I served as a Teaching Fellow for BIOS S50 "Foundations of Neuroscience," where I executed a comprehensive teaching plan via virtual platforms, catering to a diverse group of undergraduate students. Earlier in my teaching career, I worked as a Peer Tutor at Kent State University’s Academic Success Center from August 2017 to May 2019, providing extensive tutoring across scientific and psychological disciplines, helping students build a strong academic foundation.
Throughout my teaching career, I have been honored to receive multiple accolades for teaching excellence, including three Certificates of Distinction in Teaching from Harvard University. Additionally, my contributions to both science and pedagogy have been recognized with awards such as the "Spirit of Pathology" Research Award and the Excellence in Service Award.