Teaching Philosophy
As educators, professors have two essential duties: delivering quality lectures and facilitating students' learning. Teaching allows me to fulfill one aspect of my mission as I believe students attend universities to learn and become productive society members. My teaching mission is aimed towards: Helping students achieve their potential in academia and in the I.T. industry.
As a professor, I take it upon myself to assist my students in comprehending the fundamental principles of Computer Science/Engineering and their proper application in industrial projects and academic research. I also include exercises that cultivate technical problem-solving abilities and employ current industrial tools and technologies. It is the professors' duty to produce skilled professionals who can develop I.T. systems of varying complexity levels to meet their clients' needs. As a professor and student, I have reflected on my experience to develop my pedagogical style. I have also incorporated best practices from teaching training and certificate programs to enhance my style.
Curriculum and Course Development
A key priority during my tenure at TAMIU has been to advance academic programs. When I interviewed with TAMIU in March 2018, I expressed a strong interest in establishing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program, as well as a Computer Science curriculum. This vision has since become a reality. I played a pivotal role in developing this new program by actively participating in curriculum design, course development, and preparation for ABET accreditation.
As noted in the Courses Taught Table below, I have developed and taught more than 12 new courses for both the Computer Engineering and Computer Science programs. These courses are designed with a focus on student learning outcomes and effective teaching methodologies. They encompass a diverse range of topics and delivery methods, including both face-to-face and online formats that adhere to Quality Matters (QM) standards. My contributions to curriculum development reflect my commitment to providing students with a high-quality, contemporary education that prepares them for successful careers in the ever-evolving fields of computer science and engineering.
Integration of Scholarship and Teaching
To cultivate a dynamic and engaging learning environment, I integrate my research interests seamlessly into my classroom instruction. By exposing students to cutting-edge research in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity, I encourage a deeper understanding of course concepts and inspire them to explore their own research questions. For example, I actively involve students in my research projects, collaborating with them on the development of novel techniques and tools for creating complex software systems, as well as developing large datasets for intrusion detection and phishing detection. This hands-on experience enhances their technical skills and fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research abilities. The positive impact of this approach is reflected in consistently high student evaluations, demonstrating their appreciation for the unique and enriching learning opportunities I provide.
Promotion of Excellence in Undergraduate Research
I am a strong advocate for undergraduate research as a transformative educational experience. By actively mentoring student research projects, I foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills while directly contributing to the University's strategic goals. My efforts align with TAMIU's strategic plan of "Enhancing Student Success" by providing students with high-impact learning experiences that deepen their understanding of course concepts and prepare them for successful careers. Additionally, by encouraging student research, I support the goal of "Advancing Research Excellence" and help cultivate a culture of inquiry and discovery within the University community. Through these efforts, I aim to empower students to become independent learners, critical thinkers, and future leaders who are prepared to make significant contributions to society.
Service-Learning: Connecting Classroom to Community
I firmly believe in the transformative power of service learning and its potential to enrich student learning while addressing community needs. Developing service-learning courses at TAMIU is essential for providing students real-world experience and fostering civic engagement. It also aligns directly with the university's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which focuses on enhancing student learning through high-impact practices. By integrating community engagement into the curriculum, service-learning courses allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical situations, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the social issues affecting our community.
In Spring 2025, I will pilot a new service-learning course in Software Engineering (CSCE 4301). I am particularly excited about this opportunity because, during my time at Seattle University, I taught a similar course and witnessed its benefits for students. This course results from a collaborative partnership with TAMIU Career Services and the City of Laredo Public Health Department. Students will work directly with the Public Health Department to develop a software application for tracking community health data. This project will provide valuable technical experience for the students and contribute directly to the Public Health Department's mission of serving the Laredo community.
Read the press release about this service-learning course by clicking the following link: Laredo Public Health Partners with TAMIU Software Engineering Students to Enhance Community Services
This hands-on, real-world application of their skills is essential for preparing our students to become work-ready graduates and engaged citizens. This service-learning initiative will be a valuable addition to our curriculum and a powerful example of how TAMIU can effectively connect classroom learning with community engagement to achieve its mission and QEP goals.
Fostering a Culture of Academic Integrity
I believe that academic integrity is essential for a meaningful and enriching learning experience. To promote a culture of honesty and ethical behavior in my classroom, I emphasize the importance of producing original work and outline the consequences of academic dishonesty. I clearly communicate my expectations regarding plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct in my syllabus and through classroom discussions.
Additionally, I use a variety of assessment methods, such as projects, presentations, and exams, to evaluate student learning fairly and equitably. By fostering a supportive and ethical learning environment, I empower students to develop a strong sense of academic integrity that will benefit them throughout their educational and professional journeys.
Mentoring Colleagues: Fostering a Supportive Community
I firmly believe in the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative environment within the faculty. As a dedicated mentor, I actively engage in the professional development of my colleagues. Since joining TAMIU, I have consistently provided guidance and support to adjunct faculty and visiting professors, helping them deliver high-quality instruction to our students. Recognizing the vital role of mentorship in faculty development, I formally took on the role of academic mentor to a junior colleague in Fall 2024. This commitment to mentorship reflects my belief in the power of collaboration and my desire to contribute to the professional growth and success of my colleagues within the TAMIU community.
Teaching Certificates and Training
Recognizing the dynamic nature of education and the evolving needs of students, I am committed to ongoing professional development. By actively participating in teaching certificates and training programs, I aim to refine my pedagogical approaches, enhance student engagement, and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. These experiences have given me valuable insights into innovative teaching methodologies, such as active learning strategies, technology integration, and assessment techniques, which I have successfully incorporated into my courses. This dedication to continuous improvement reflects my unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering both intellectual and personal growth in my students.
Throughout my academic career, I have prioritized continuous professional development as a cornerstone of effective teaching. Since my graduate studies, I have actively sought opportunities to enhance my pedagogical skills through various teaching training programs and workshops. This commitment to lifelong learning has continued at Texas A&M International University, where I consistently strive to refine my teaching practices to better serve the diverse needs of our student body.
Scroll below to view the most recent teaching certificate I earned since joining TAMIU in 2018.
Teaching with Technology
In today's rapidly evolving digital age, effectively integrating technology into the learning environment is crucial for fostering student engagement and enhancing the educational experience. I believe that technology can serve as a powerful tool to personalize learning, facilitate active participation, and provide students with access to a wealth of resources. By incorporating specific tools such as learning management systems, online resources, interactive simulations, and digital collaboration tools, I aim to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This approach empowers students to become independent learners and helps them develop essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. These efforts not only enhance student learning outcomes but also prepare them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.
As a dedicated educator, I recognize the transformative potential of technology in enhancing the learning experience. Since joining the faculty, I have consistently integrated various digital tools into my courses to boost student engagement and facilitate deeper learning. These tools include platforms such as Top Hat and Echo360, interactive response systems, and a range of other innovative technologies. I am passionate about sharing my expertise in this area and have actively presented my pedagogical approaches at numerous faculty forums and conferences, including the Top Hat Engage conference and TAMIU Teaching with Technology Weeks. [Click on the link below for more information and examples of how I use technology in my teaching.]
Continuous Improvement Through Student Feedback Excellence
I firmly believe that student feedback is invaluable for continuous improvement in teaching. I actively solicit and carefully analyze student feedback through course evaluations, informal feedback sessions, and individual student meetings. I use this feedback to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement in my teaching methods, course content, and overall classroom environment. For example, student feedback has led me to:
- Incorporate more active learning strategiessuch as group work, class discussions, and peer feedback to enhance student engagement.
- Refine assessment methodsto better align with learning objectives and provide more meaningful feedback to students.
- Utilize technology more effectively to enhance the learning experience, based on student preferences and technological proficiency.
By consistently incorporating student feedback into my teaching practice, I strive to create a dynamic and responsive learning environment that meets the evolving needs and expectations of my students. This commitment to continuous improvement reflects my dedication to providing the highest quality education and fostering a positive and supportive learning experience for all students.
Instruction of Writing-Intensive (WIN) Courses
I take pride in having played a crucial role in enhancing students' communication skills througnstruction of two Writing-Intensive (WIN) courses: Software Engineering-WIN (CSCE 4201) and Computer Engineering Senior Design Project-WIN (CSCE 4390). In total, I have taught 25 sections of WIN courses, and they are essential for the success of our engineering programs, equipping students with the communication skills necessary for professional success in the 21st century.
In Software Engineering-WIN, I focused on developing students' technical writing skills, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise documentation for software development projects. In the Computer Engineering Senior Design Project-WIN course, I guided students in refining their research writing and presentation skills, culminating in impactful project proposals and defenses.
Recognizing the significance of the WIN designation, I actively collaborated with my colleagues from the assessment teams at TAMIU to ensure a rigorous alignment with the program's learning outcomes. This collaboration involved conducting thorough WIN assessments, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing effective strategies to enhance students' communication skills. I integrated a variety of writing assignments and workshops focused on clarity, structure, and professional presentation, providing personalized feedback to each student.
The positive impact of these efforts is evident in student performance and AEFIS assessments, which demonstrate significant improvements in their communication abilities. By cultivating strong writing and communication skills within our engineering programs, I contribute not only to student success but also to enhancing the reputation and impact of our university in preparing graduates for successful careers in a globally competitive environment.
