Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

• Building accessible foundations that foster confidence. I believe the first responsibility of a teacher is to ensure that students can master the basics and feel confident applying them. Many students approach economics with anxiety about math and statistics, so I begin by connecting abstract theory to familiar real-world contexts such as food choices, healthcare, or labor markets. Once students see the relevance, I break problems into structured steps that make technical material less intimidating. I reinforce learning with constructive feedback that highlights progress as well as areas for improvement. This combination of accessibility and support allows students to build a solid foundation, gain independence, and approach new problems with confidence.

• Encouraging critical thinking through comprehensive engagement. Once students are comfortable with the fundamentals, I challenge them to go further by questioning assumptions and applying concepts in new ways. I see the classroom as a collaborative space where diverse perspectives enrich learning. To foster this, I use active learning strategies such as group problem-solving, discussions, and applied projects that require students to think critically and articulate their reasoning. I also make a deliberate effort to learn students’ names, invite their perspectives, and adapt to different learning styles. By combining structure with open dialogue, I aim to create a classroom where students feel respected, motivated, and confident engaging with complex ideas.

• These principles have guided my teaching roles at Virginia Tech, where I have applied them in both classroom and research mentoring settings.

Teaching Experience

• AAEC 3454: Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Fall 2025, Virginia Tech) - Teaching Assistant

• AAEC 3004: Agricultural Production and Consumption Economics (Fall 2023, Spring 2025, Virginia Tech) - Teaching Assistant

• AAEC 4814: Food and Health Economics (Spring 2025, Virginia Tech) - Teaching Assistant