Previous Teaching
Inquiry Based and Conventional Laboratories
My previous teaching experience spans inquiry based activities and laboratory courses at two universities. I have been exposed to a range of teaching philosophies and have developed tools that will allow me to teach effectively in diverse enviroments. My inquiry teaching knowledge stems from the Institute for Scientist and Engineering Educators (ISEE) workshops from their Professional Development Program (PDP) and my traditional teaching techniques are derived from my laboratory teaching experiences at the University of Colorado at Boulder and at the University of Iowa . I have also been a Calculus I tutor for the Iowa Biosciences Advantage Program.
The background is a video of granules
(convection - energy transport by fluid motions) in the surface of the Sun (photosphere). Video Credit: NSO/NSF/AURA from the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope
Lab Projects and
Research Experience for Undergrads (REU)
2015 - Present
Project Mentor and Research Leader
I have been a project mentor for REU and the Latino Initiative programs working with both undergrad and graduate students. This involves a high level of teaching scientific principles to students in a relatively short amount of time, for quick turn-a-round for results. Additionally, I have worked with undergraduate students during my PhD research throughout the calendar year.
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In 2013 - 2015, I worked with Eliot Kersgaard to calculate the vacuum ultraviolet optical constants of atomic layer deposition coated mirrors for future space telescopes.
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In 2015 - 2017, I worked with Christian Carter to perform vacuum ultraviolet reflectance measurements of atomic layer deposition coated mirrors for future space telescopes, in a chamber that we refurbished.
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In 2016, I worked with Caroline Leaman analyzing the first solar soft X-ray spectra from the MinXSS-1 CubeSat.
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In 2016 - 2017, I worked with Liam O'Connor and Nicholas Renninger to modify a chamber for vacuum ultraviolet reflectance measurements.
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In 2018 until the present, I work with Crisel Suarez-Bustamente performing soft X-ray iso-thermal and bi-thermal spectral fits of solar flares observed by the MinXSS-1 CubeSat.
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In 2018, I worked with Sierra Garza connecting Hinode XRT integrated soft X-ray images and MinXSS-1 spectral soft X-ray measurements to SDO HMI total magnetic flux measurements of the solar photosphere.
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In 2019, I worked with Carson Geottlicher to reconstruct solar flare soft X-ray spectral time profiles during MinXSS-1 eclipse times.
October 26, 2014
Boulder, CO, USA
Team Leader and Co-designer
APS - ASTR 1030: Accelerated Intro to Astronomy Lab
Students investigated image formation in different contexts. First, they explored images from pinhole cameras. Second, they observed the benefits of using a single optic to focus light. Finally, they analyzed the image properties from multiple optics and applications as a telescope. Learners deciphered the benefits and limitations of the three imaging setups and define characteristics of an 'acceptable' image.
November 15 - 16, 2013
Pukalani, HI, USA
Team Leader and Co-designer
Students collaboratively designed hypothetical instruments (subsystems) for analyzing the Sun. Different investigation pathways were provided based on Solar phenomena to build instruments to optimally obtain data on these phenomena utilizing the Nyquist Sampling Theorem. These "subsystems" were to function cohesively to obtain information to investigate the original Solar phenomena. Thus, our learners engaged in stating a Science Objective (Solar phenomena to study) to set Science Requirements (what type of measurement is necessary?), designated Performance Requirements (what must the instrument do?), created a Design, and established Specifications/Tolerances (how well must the instrument perform). Our students evaluated their "subsystem" and iterated to modify their designs.
ISEE PDP - Shining Light on the Sun
June 12 - 13, 2012
Boulder, CO, USA
Co-designer and Facilitator
Students majoring in physics and/or astronomy at a range of undergraduate educational levels were asked to use models to explain experimental results. Students worked to understand and articulate the limitations of a model, and decipher when other models are needed. In “Shining Light on the Sun”, students investigate solar phenomena with lab equipment and actual satellite data. They learn about selectively applying theoretical models of radiation processes (specifically black body, emission, absorption lines) to the solar spectrum in order to infer physical properties of the sun, and generate explanations of observed phenomena.
Accelerated Intro to Astronomy laboratory, 1030
Fall 2011
Boulder, CO, USA
Lab Teaching Assistant
In this lab for astronomy majors I taught concepts of solar system astronomy involving interactive setups for optics, spectral analysis, extrasolar-planet detection methods and weekly solar observations.
Stars, Galaxies and the Universe laboratory, 29:050
Fall 2010 -
Spring 2011
Iowa City, IA, USA
Lab Teaching Assistant
In this lab for non-astronomy majors I taught the basics of photometric variability, measurement techniques and image analysis algorithms.
Fall 2010 -
Spring 2011
Iowa City, IA, USA
Calculus I Tutor
I taught students with biology related majors the fundamentals of Calculus I and analytical problem solving philosophies.