In the realm of education, I have been blessed to see the best of both worlds. As a former student of both humanities and hard sciences, I have struggled with challenging topics made more difficult by poor explanation. As an educator, I have been able to "right past wrongs" with innovative methodologies that consistently keep students entertained and engaged. My goal is to teach for a purpose but instill a lifelong passion for scholarship. My students are given a wide array of examples, quizzes, and independent work to reinforce concepts. I insist on diffusing material because it is far too easy for a student to use an answer manual or an online forum to reinforce rote techniques. By embracing this approach, my students consistently achieve excellent grades and reach their individual goals.
I am a current Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University in the field of plant pathology. I study plant pathogenic bacteria and analyze genomic data to make recommendations that (I hope) will preserve agriculturally relevant food resources around the globe. My research seeks to marry the best of available biological data with mathematical analysis and computer modeling. The union of these disciplines is not only exciting but also promises to bestow great future benefits. These topics truly motivate me and personify my passion.
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