Teaching and Mentorship
Teaching and mentorship are central to how I see my role as a scientist. I care deeply about helping students and trainees understand the logic of biological systems, develop confidence in their scientific thinking, and grow into independent, creative researchers. In both the classroom and the lab, I aim to create an environment that is rigorous, supportive, and intellectually engaging.
Courses taught
At UC San Diego, I teach undergraduate biochemistry courses including:
-
BIBC 100 (Structural Biochemistry)
-
BIBC 102 (Metabolic Biochemistry)
-
BIBC 194 (Biochemistry of Cell Signaling)
I especially enjoy helping students connect molecular details to larger biological principles and showing how mechanistic thinking can illuminate complex systems.
Teaching Approach
My teaching emphasizes mechanistic understanding over memorization. I want students to see the logic behind biochemical pathways and signaling networks, rather than experience them as isolated facts. I put significant thought into designing lectures, figures, and problem-solving exercises that make complex ideas more intuitive, rigorous, and memorable.
Mentorship Philosophy
In mentoring, I aim to help trainees grow not only in technical ability, but also in scientific judgment, independence, and confidence. I try to create a lab environment where people feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to ask bold questions. My goal is for each trainee to leave the lab stronger in both scientific thinking and professional development.
Who We Mentored
Over the years, we have had the privilege of mentoring trainees at many stages, including high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars. I value working with people from diverse backgrounds and helping each person find a path that matches their interests and strengths.