I am a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on biomineralization for hydrological and geomechanical modification of the subsurface. I became interested in teaching and peer mentoring as an undergraduate at Yale University, where I worked at the Writing Center and the Academic Strategies Program, the latter of which focused on building “soft skills” for undergraduates from under-resourced high schools and non-traditional backgrounds. I also earned my masters’ degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, where I learned a lot about effective communication between people of different native languages and cultural backgrounds. Since coming to UM in 2020, I have GSI’d for CEE 428 (Groundwater Hydrology) and CEE 265 (Intro to Sustainable Engineering). I know that I’m not the only GSI who has faced anxiety and uncertainty around teaching, especially in the pandemic era, and I’m excited to work with my fellow GSIs as we navigate these challenges together.

I am a Ph.D candidate in the Applied Physics program. My research is in looking at nanoscale light-matter interactions one at a time using single-molecule fluorescence techniques. I am particularly interested in the change in trends near gold nanoparticles and if that can be leveraged in bio-sensing. As an undergraduate, I served as lab assistant for instrumentation labs, and teaching assistant for introductory physics and math courses. I also spent a summer conducting physics education research. At University of Michigan, I was a remote lab TA for the general chemistry lab sessions, which served as a unique experience. I am also serving as co-president of the UMich chapter of the American Society of Engineering Educators, and take an active interest in science communication. I have a range of experiences that I am excited to share through the ETC program and look forward to working with GSIs and IAs to find effective strategies for their learning spaces.

I am a PhD candidate in Climate and Space Sciences, focusing on numerical modeling of Earth’s magnetosphere. During my time at Michigan, I served as a GSI for CLIMATE 102: Extreme Weather, which is a large general education course in hybrid format. I have also been a grader or TA for numerous other classes at both undergraduate and graduate levels while here at Michigan, and a TA for online courses while earning my undergraduate degree. I have some experience with course design and curriculum development, writing a first-year PhD seminar in the CLaSP Department and a 200-level general Earth-space science course. The most rewarding part of teaching for me is the interaction with students, especially when it produces a breakthrough in understanding. I really enjoy office hours! Classroom engagement in hybrid or virtual courses can be challenging, and I’m passionate about making those connections regardless of format. As an ETC, I’m excited to work with other students to facilitate mutual growth as educators.

I’m a Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate working in the Biped Robotics Lab@Michigan under the guidance of Professor Jessy Grizzle. My current research interests include control theory and experiments for bipedal locomotion and balancing, and the tasks of standing and turning. I received my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Throughout my graduate career at the University of Michigan, I have mentored and unofficially taught multiple students both in and outside the laboratory. I have also led recitation and helped to design and create a project for Robotics 101. Before joining the graduate program at Michigan, I was the chair of the Mechanical, Aeronautical, and Nuclear Engineering Student Advisory Council at RPI where I was involved in faculty hiring, curriculum changes, and graduate seminars. I am enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring and I look forward to working beside you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

I am a 4th-year PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering. My research focuses on characterizing material properties of soft materials via full-field measurements, and experimental optimization of material testing. I have been a GSI for MECHENG 211 twice (Introduction to Solid Mechanics), MECHENG 382 (Mechanical Behavior of Materials), and MECHENG 235 (Thermodynamics). Additionally, I work with the Center for Socially-Engaged Design (C-SED) on implementing DEI problem-based learning in the mechanical engineering curriculum with the intention to incorporate ethics and societal impact in all ME courses. I have served as both the outreach and mentorship chair for the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Council (MEGC), and am still associated with MEGC and the engineering outreach community, including becoming a Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) camp counselor that’s run by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I’ve worked with the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) to mentor incoming underrepresented engineering undergraduates interested in pursuing graduate research, as well as the many undergraduate students that have been in my research lab. Since taking ENGR 580 (Teaching Engineering), I have strived to become the best possible instructor I can be, with a particular focus on effective mentoring, equity-centered teaching, and inclusive learning. I am extremely excited to be of any help to the incoming GSI/IA community.

I am a PhD student in Computer Science and Engineering. My research focuses on artificial intelligence and robotics, specifically how to improve robot manipulation through more advanced reasoning over actions and robust action execution. As an undergraduate at Monmouth College, I helped run computer science labs and served as the general computer science subject tutor. At the University of Michigan, I have served as a GSI for EECS–492 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and EECS–203 Discrete Math, and I tutor undergraduate mathematics and computer science courses through the Academic Success Program. I believe STEM education needs to be more diverse and inclusive, specifically for underrepresented groups of students, in order to provide the best educational experience that allows students to succeed. We as student instructors can affect these positive changes for our students, and as an ETC, I am looking forward to providing support for GSIs so we can provide a better educational experience.

I am a PhD candidate in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. My research focuses on underground carbon dioxide storage and utilization as a climate change mitigation strategy. I have been a GSI for EARTH 223 (Introductory Oceanography) and for CEE 265 (Sustainable Engineering Principles). These courses have given me experience in leading lab sessions, developing assignments, creating rubrics, managing a grading team, hosting both in-person and virtual office hours, and working with primary instructors. Outside of the classroom, I have served as a mentor in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and in Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honors society. I look forward to supporting GSIs and IAs in creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.