As an Assistant Professor of Hydrology and Environmental Science and the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Duhok, teaching is more than a responsibility—it is a core part of who I am as an academic. Every lecture, field trip, and student interaction is an opportunity to inspire, challenge, and empower future leaders in environmental science.

This page offers a reflection on my teaching journey, the principles that guide me, and how I strive to make every classroom a space of inquiry, growth, and real-world connection.

🌱 Teaching Philosophy

I believe that education is transformative—when grounded in curiosity, context, and connection. My teaching philosophy is built on three core values:

• Empowerment: I aim to cultivate independent thinkers who can critically analyze environmental challenges and propose innovative solutions.

• Relevance: I bridge theory and practice by integrating case studies, fieldwork, and community-based learning into my courses.

• Engagement: I prioritize active learning, student voice, and collaborative exploration in both lecture halls and lab settings.

Ultimately, I see teaching as a form of service: to students, to society, and to the field of environmental science.

📚 Teaching History

Since joining the University of Duhok, I have taught across undergraduate and postgraduate programs within the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences and other related faculties. My teaching career also includes academic support roles during my PhD at the University of Bordeaux, where I assisted in groundwater lab work and student mentoring.

My experience spans traditional classrooms, fieldwork, laboratory training, and digital platforms—a blend that reflects my flexible and student-centered approach.

🧪 Topics I Teach

I deliver and contribute to a variety of core and elective modules, including:

• Hydrogeology and Groundwater Flow

• Water Resources Management

• Environmental Pollution and Risk Assessment

• Geochemistry for Environmental Applications

• Climate Change and Water Systems

• Research Methods and Scientific Writing

• GIS and Remote Sensing in Hydrology (Guest Modules)

My content is continually updated to reflect current research, local and global case studies, and advances in technology and policy.

✨ Memorable Teaching Stories

One of my most impactful teaching experiences was conducting a field study on groundwater quality with undergraduate students in the Duhok Dam basin. As we collected samples and interpreted data on-site, I saw the spark in their eyes—realizing that they weren’t just learning hydrochemistry, they were solving a real-world problem in their own community.

Another meaningful moment came when a former student, now working with an international NGO, told me that the project we did on aquifer vulnerability helped them lead a successful environmental impact assessment in Nineveh. These are the moments that affirm the lasting power of engaged, applied teaching.

👥 Student Approach

I view every student as a potential colleague and changemaker. I focus on:

• Inclusive participation, ensuring all voices are heard

• Constructive feedback, guiding rather than judging

• Mentorship beyond the classroom, from research supervision to career advice

Whether through office hours, field trips, or group projects, I aim to create a safe and motivating learning environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.

📈 Professional Development in Teaching

I continuously invest in improving my teaching practice through:

• Pedagogical workshops at UOD and international partner universities

• Participation in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) initiatives

• Ongoing training in digital learning tools, assessment strategies, and active learning design

• Collaborative curriculum development projects with international faculty

These efforts help me stay current, creative, and responsive to student needs.

📊 Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

Some of the indicators that reflect the effectiveness of my teaching include:

• Positive student feedback and evaluations, particularly regarding clarity, engagement, and real-world application

• High student retention and participation in research-related coursework

• Student success in postgraduate studies and environmental sector employment

• Invitations to supervise thesis projects from multiple departments

• Recognition as a mentor and academic advisor for students in refugee and sustainability research tracks

🔗 For more on my mentorship and supervision, visit my Research Folio.

Teaching is a journey I walk alongside my students—sometimes leading, sometimes learning, always listening. If you're a student, fellow academic, or aspiring educator interested in sharing ideas or collaborating on teaching innovation, I would be delighted to connect.

📩 Contact Me: nabaz.mohammed@uod.ac
🔗 Explore My Academic Activities → | Visit My Research Folio →