"To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide
the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin."
-bell hooks
I have spent my whole life helping others learn. From my first volunteering experience of writing books for people learning to read as teenagers, to teaching swim lessons, to teaching computer science to incarcerated woman and mentoring undergraduates to pursue independent research projects, I've always found ways to share the things that I love doing to people of all backgrounds. My teaching ethos is informed by both my personal experiences relating to learners as well as my pursuit of coursework during my undergraduate to understand the sociological factors that impact student in american education systems as well as the best practices to teach STEM disciplines. As a laboratory technician and graduate researcher, I have mentored dozens of students to learn molecular biology lab skills and make meaningful contributions to research. As a teaching assistant, I build supportive and welcoming environments for all students that make me an approachable and effective TA.
"Katie is an exemplary TA. Discussion, where a lot of students aren't interested in being there, is so incredibly hard to teach and command a room and Katie did that. If I was confused about a homework problem, I knew that going to discussion would clear it up. It seems like they had the perfect words that would help me understand the harder concepts of evolution. She was also incredibly generous and kind when students would have difficulty. They are everything you want in a TA, and the university is so lucky to have them."
Undergraduate student from EVE100 (Evolution), Fall 2023
"Katie was a very great TA for this course and led the discussions very well. She clearly cares about her students' success and was great at responding to the questions or discussion points students would bring up throughout the class. She was very approachable."
Undergraduate student from WFC154 (Conservation Biology), Winter 2024
"Super helpful, explains patiently, and is super smart. Hire her."
Undergraduate student from BIS02B (Intro to Biology), Fall 2024