Teaching Philosophy
I believe every student brings unique strengths, perspectives, and learning styles shaped by their experiences, values, and ways of thinking. My teaching philosophy centers on empowering students with the autonomy to direct their learning in an inclusive, student-centered environment. I encourage them to explore their curiosities, connect course concepts to their own lives, and build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to address real-world challenges.
Four principles guide my approach:
Serve as a guide and support system for students.
Provide opportunities for choice and self-directed learning.
Design coursework that connects new knowledge to personal experiences.
Cultivate skills for independent problem-solving and critical thinking.
I make learning engaging, accessible, and personally meaningful through experiential methods. Some examples include group activities, reflective journals, discussions, and applied assignments. By bridging theory with practice, I aim to foster curiosity, inquiry, and lifelong growth, helping students thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Mentorship Success
I believe that a great mentor takes the time to truly know their mentees, understand their hurdles, and use real life experience to help them grow. That is the philosophy I brought to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where I guided 10 undergraduate researchers through everything from study design to advanced data analysis. Whether we were researching the connection between stress and IBD or pivoting to online work during a global pandemic, my goal was always to provide a steady support system tailored to each student.
Watching them succeed—achieving co-authorships, presenting at conferences, and celebrating acceptances to medical school—has been the proudest part of my career. True mentorship isn't just about teaching skills; it's about empowering the next generation of scholars from the heart.
Learn more about my teaching and mentoring philosophy here: Philosophy Statement