ASTR 2040 — Search for Life in the Universe: I think teaching and research are meant to go together. Bringing current research in astrobiology to bear on classroom activities enables students to appreciate the relevance of the broader course material and hones my science communication skills.

While teaching ASTR 2040, I carried out lesson planning, writing and giving lectures, designing and leading group activities, and assessing student learning outcomes through homework and exams. My teaching received positive Faculty Course Questionnaire (FCQ) responses, with “frequently” or “almost always” selected by all students for 13 of 16 quantitative responses.

I then served as the department faculty mentor for a new instructor. As faculty mentor, my responsibilities included familiarizing the new instructor with course policies, procedures and previous course materials, setting up a course website on Canvas, attending and giving feedback on two lectures, and interfacing with the teaching coordinator and department chair.