Teaching

My teaching philosophy is grounded in evidence-based, inclusive pedagogy that meets students where they are. I rely on active learning strategies, such as think-pair-share exercises and real-time formative assessment, to keep students engaged, and I collect regular feedback through beginning- and mid-quarter surveys so I can adapt my approach to each group's background and needs. Whether leading discussion sections, guiding hands-on observing labs, or delivering guest lectures, I aim to explain concepts clearly and equip students with the tools to work through problems themselves rather than simply handing them answers. I bring that same philosophy to mentorship, working to create structured, supportive spaces where students can grow as researchers, communicators, and future scientists.

• Teaching CV

• Certificate of Practice in University Teaching (CTLO) — June 2026
  Pedagogy development and refinement.
• California Observatories Professional Development Program — April 2026
  Pedagogy development and inclusive teaching practices.
• Astrotech Summer School — July 2026
  Teaching lead on detectors for astronomical instrumentation.

Through the CTLO certificate, I put evidence-based strategies like active learning, formative assessment, and inclusive course design into practice. The PDP prepared me to design and facilitate inclusive STEM learning experiences, which I put directly to use teaching detectors for astronomical instrumentation at the AstroTech Summer School.

• Ay 126: Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium — 2023
  Including microphysical processes, gas dynamics, magnetic fields, and large-scale structures.
• Ay 124: Structure and Evolution of Galaxies — 2023
  Including galaxy structure, dynamics, and evolution, stellar populations, and star formation with feedback.
• Ay 20: Basic Astronomy and the Galaxy — 2022
  Including radiative processes, stellar and exoplanet physics, and the structure and dynamics of the galaxies.

Across both undergraduate and graduate courses, I led discussion sections, ran a Palomar Observatory observing lab, and prepared students for homework, exams, and oral qualifying exams. I also gathered beginning- and mid-quarter feedback and adjusted my teaching accordingly — in Ay 20, for example, that meant spending more recitation time on lecture review.

Student feedback consistently highlights clarity and approachability: one student said I "effectively highlighted the key concepts needed to complete problem sets," while others called the sections "excellent... very helpful in all aspects of the class" and "flexible and supportive of students."

• Celestial Mechanics — 2025
  Pasadena City College Physics and Astronomy Club.
• Celestial Mechanics — 2025
  Ay 20, Basic Astronomy and the Galaxy.

For these lectures, I use active learning techniques like think-pair-share and two-minute summaries, adjusting what I emphasize in real time based on the room's feedback.

• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) mentor — 2025
  Caltech undergraduate Anica Ancheta.
• WAVE fellow mentor — 2025
  Non-academic mentorship to summer student cohort.
• CAPP program mentor — 2022
  Mentorship to undergraduates applying to graduate school.

As a SURF mentor, I guided a Caltech undergraduate through reducing exoplanet data, leading to a final report, presentation, and an upcoming lead-author paper. My WAVE and CAPP mentorship focused on non-academic skill-building, networking, and graduate school applications.

Mentees have said I "provided the resources I need to complete tasks related to my projects," "introduced me to people within the research group and field," and "gave valuable feedback that elevated my writing to a more professional level."