Why did you choose the subject area that you teach?

My academic background is in physics, but I had the opportunity in graduate school to teach an engineering course to middle school students during a summer program. This was at a time when engineering courses in secondary school were relatively uncommon. It was a great experience. I enjoyed combining hands-on practical skills with the principles of physics. Since that experience, I've focused my career on developing engineering curriculum and teaching engineering in secondary school.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching and working with students?

I find building relationships and getting to know my students—in and out of the classroom—most rewarding. I'm always inspired by their creativity and eagerness to learn. I also appreciate their sense of humor. I think laughter—or rather laughing together—is one of the most important parts of creating bonds and relationships with others.

Beyond the classroom, what are some of your interests or hobbies that you're passionate about?

I love making things with technology, usually using 3D CAD, 3D printing, and electronics. I also love to read books and enjoy photography.

What do you hope students will take away from your classes or your mentorship?

I hope students take away a love of hands-on learning through engineering. I hope they embrace the discomfort of 'not-knowing' as a motivation to explore new ideas. I want them to understand that setbacks and failures are a part of the learning process—especially in engineering—and are important for building their resilience. I hope they see that creativity and innovation are not innate abilities, but rather skills that are acquired through practice and perseverance. And, I want them to be able to leverage technology to explore their environment, make decisions, and communicate their ideas.

Do you have a favorite place on campus? What makes it your favorite?

I think I have to say the Fader Innovation Center. If you like to make things, that's the place to be. A lot of students think it's just for the engineering classes, but everyone is welcome to come down and learn to use the tools, even if they don't take an engineering class. I'm always happy to teach them.