Teaching Philosophy

I teach the same way I conduct research, with creativity, curiosity, and rigor. The themes I use in my classroom are curiosity, exploration, and understanding of the scientific process in order to critically analyze and interpret material. When my students leave the classroom, I don’t want them to leave with a memorized set of information. I want them to 1) be able to critically analyze data, 2) know where to find trustworthy information, and 3) use that information to synthesize new knowledge, which can be applied to future problems. One of the main drivers and motivators throughout my career has been my passion for teaching and mentoring and the appreciation that teaching members of historically marginalized communities to help them become leaders is a privilege.

Publications related to education

A Novel Undergraduate Seminar Course Celebrating Scientific Contributions by Scientists from Historically Marginalized Communities
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DISARMING A TRANSFORMER FUNGUS
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Introducing the JMBE Themed Issue on Science Communication
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Courses offered at UTSA
Fall 2024

MMI 4483 and 6733: Medical Mycology and Advanced Medical Mycology
Course description: Fungi are amazing organisms! They are everywhere and play key roles in our everyday
lives. They are master decomposers, breaking down complex organic matter and
recycling nutrients back into the environment. Some fungi form symbiotic relationships
with plants, enhancing nutrient uptake and promoting growth. In medicine, fungi have
been the source of life-saving antibiotics, such as penicillin, and are used in the
production of various biopharmaceuticals. However, their ecological roles are still not fully
understood. In this course, we will explore the diversity of clinically important fungi, the
mechanisms they employ to cause disease and interact with their host and other
microbes, and the mechanisms they use to withstand environmental insults (e.g.,
antifungals).

MMI 7001: Professional and Leadership Development
Course description: My main goal is to provide you with a personalized tool belt that
can help you optimize your graduate school experience. As such, this course focuses
on building individual development plans, initiating mentoring plan discussions with your
current mentors, and integrating professional and leadership skills that will help you
make a successful transition after graduate school.

Spring 2024

MMI 7113: Teaching in the Life Sciences
Course description: My main goal is to provide you with basic knowledge about pedagogy principles and get you ready to teach a class!  Your growth and success are my priority, and I am available to provide additional support if needed.
The overall goals of the course are as follows:
  • Gain working knowledge on basic pedagogy principles.
  • Develop a lesson plan on a topic of your choice utilizing knowledge and tools acquired throughout the course.
  • Teach a 25-minute session based on your lesson plan to undergraduates.
  • Develop a teaching statement.

Fall 2023

MMI 7001: Professional and Leadership Development
Course description: My main goal is to provide you with a personalized tool belt that
can help you optimize your graduate school experience. As such, this course focuses
on building individual development plans, initiating mentoring plan discussions with your
current mentors, and integrating professional and leadership skills that will help you
make a successful transition after graduate school.
The overall goals of the course are as follows:
  • Use the mentoring compact and individual development plan to initiate a conversation with your advisor focused on your short- and long-term goals and transition to the next stage.
  • Develop a structured plan that you and your advisor will adhere to.
  • Present your plan in the course to receive feedback.
  • Develop a career exploration and transition plan.