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 am a master’s student in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine. Last semester, I served as a GSI for BME 321 (Bioreaction Engineering and Design). Through this role, I gained experience in holding virtual and in-person office hours, grading assignments, leading review sessions, designing homework assignments and exams, and creating rubrics. I am excited to leverage my experience to assist other GSIs and IAs in succeeding in their roles and providing the best support to their students. My goal is to contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable College of Engineering classrooms while fostering an engaging and collaborative learning environment. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and supporting fellow instructors during my time as an ETC.

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science and Engineering. My research is in computing education, specifically why and how non-CS majors learn about programming. I have been a GSI for EECS 183 (Programming Concepts) and EECS 493 (User Interfaces) at University of Michigan, as well as a Data Structures TA at University of Illinois, and a former instructor and director at a programming-focused summer camp. Through my teaching and research I have experience in running lab sections, lecturing, developing course materials and assignments, grading, and creating fun STEM activities. I’m looking forward to leveraging my experience and pedagogical knowledge to aid GSIs and IAs in their teaching practice!

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 currently a PhD student in the Applied Physics program at U-M with research focus in the area of Optoelectronic Components and Materials. Specifically, I work in the field of Organic Photovoltaics [stuffs that turn sunlight into electrical energy]. Teaching has always been my passion. I have taken the full ChE 580 course (also called ENGR 580) that covers all of the main aspects of dispensing tertiary STEM education and have served as a mentor for the Postgraduate Short Course on teaching. Previously, I taught a couple of undergraduate courses in physics, mathematics and chemistry at the University of Liberia. I am excited to serve as an ETC since I will have the chance to share a valuable mixture of the experiences I have gained here and the learning and teaching experiences I have had in Liberia – my country of origin. My past experiences provide me with some unique perspectives on STEM education that can become useful references to share as we all learn from each other in the effort to make STEM education better.

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.