I am currently an Organic Chemistry graduate student at the University of Iowa where I am synthesizing a Calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye that can be used in biomedical research to study Calcium signaling in cells. I graduated with honors from Grinnell College in 2025 with majors in Chemistry and Gender Studies. I have always been passionate about Organic Chemistry, but my recent experiences at the University have cemented my love of teaching the subject.
As a teaching assistant in...
I am currently an Organic Chemistry graduate student at the University of Iowa where I am synthesizing a Calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye that can be used in biomedical research to study Calcium signaling in cells. I graduated with honors from Grinnell College in 2025 with majors in Chemistry and Gender Studies. I have always been passionate about Organic Chemistry, but my recent experiences at the University have cemented my love of teaching the subject.
As a teaching assistant in Organic Chemistry 1 in my first two semesters at Iowa, I have developed a teaching philosophy that encourages exploration and curiosity in a discipline that often carries an aura of exclusivity that keeps students from believing they can be successful.
In my role, I held twice weekly office hours to clear up confusion on material, give studying advice, and offer emotional support to students that feel behind. I held 5 sections a week each containing 32 students, where I would prepare a brief (20 minute) interactive lecture on the week's important topics as well as a weekly worksheet and answer key to continue students' practice outside of their main class session. My sections consisted primarily of students not majoring in Chemistry and completing the course as a prerequisite for medical graduate schools, so I am very familiar with coaching students through their initial distaste for the subject.
During my first year, I received two awards for my skills as a teaching assistant, one from the University's Council on Teaching for Outstanding Teaching Assistant of the Year and one from the Chemistry department for Rookie Teaching Assistant of the Year. I take teaching Organic Chemistry very seriously due to my experience with how much of an insurmountable challenge it can be for many students to pursue their dream career. Through my positive attitude, rigorous preparation for meetings with students, and love of the subject, I work hard to prove to students that they can exceed in the course.
