this is me

Hi! This is me, Laura K. Alford, and this site is where I toss updates to my teaching and research and post links to funny things so I don't forget about them. And I don't want to hear any snarky comments about this being made with Google Sites. I know there are swankier options out there, but I'd rather spend my time doing other things, like defending the Oxford comma.  

I am a Lecturer here at the University of Michigan. I do a little research on the side, but I primarily teach. I taught ENGR 100-600: Intro to Engineering -- Underwater Vehicle Design from 2008-2020 when the class went on hiatus due to Covid-19. But now ENGR 100-600 will be back starting in Winter 2024!

The other course I teach is ENGR 101: Introduction to Computer Programming. I have taught ENGR 101 since 2015, and thanks to the Foundational Course Initiative, this course is now better organized, more equitable, and more sustainable for students and instructors. 

If you happened across this page because you are a new student in ENGR 100-600 or ENGR 101, then welcome! I look forward to meeting you. If you are a random person, also welcome! I probably won't get to meet you, alas.

I finally got around to making a Twitter account, but it was really just to post pictures and videos from the ENGR 100 ROV Competition.  Sometimes I post funny memes about teaching large first year courses. Don't get too excited that I'll post much beyond that.  Sorry.  If you want to contact me, go ahead and email me.  Go Blue!!