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 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 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 a master’s student in Space Engineering, specializing in the interaction between fluid dynamics and material properties in space applications. So far, I have gained extensive teaching experience as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) for Earth 408 for two consecutive terms (Fall 2023 and Winter 2024) and Physics 241 (Spring 2024), as well as serving as a grader for Climate 105. My roles have involved conducting office hours, aiding instructors in course preparation and design, grading assignments, delivering lectures, and providing comprehensive student support. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my teaching experience has been the opportunity to engage with students during office hours, allowing for in-depth discussion and resolution of their academic challenges. I am committed to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment and am eager to continue contributing to the academic success of students.

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.