Case Studies in Teaching and Learning
These case studies highlight learning and training initiatives I have led to enhance institutional capacity, support change, and grow impact.
Research Administration Toolkit
SJSU Guide to Awards: Concept to Dissemination
Problem
As research activity grew at SJSU, administration had to keep up. Research needs outpaced staff capacity, with many investigators working odd hours, when specialists weren’t available. Our unit needed a scalable resource hub to give faculty consistent, on-demand guidance.
Solution
I led the strategy and development of a centralized intranet to consolidate policies, training, and resources. Hosted on Canvas, a platform familiar to SJSU PIs, it includes multimedia and targeted modules on NIH and NSF proposals, fellowships, compliance, budgeting, and more.
Centralized Canvas intranet to consolidate policies, training, and resources
Scaling Student Research
Student Research TRAC: Training for Researchers and Creators
Problem
Demand exceeds supply for student research opportunities, and many undergraduate and graduate students want to begin projects without foundational knowledge of processes, ethics, or resources. Faculty are overwhelmed by applicants, without an easy way to assess readiness.
Solution
I partnered with subject-matter experts to launch a self-paced, cross-disciplinary program with optional credentials for students. The program builds essential research skills, introduces ethical and practical standards, and connects learners to tools, mentors, and opportunities, with no enrollment cap and flexible access year-round.
I managed this project end-to-end, providing instructional design, collaboration with subject matter experts, service providers, and administrators to bring the program to life.
Teaching Rocket Scientists to Write
Teaching Science Writing: Four Hacks
Problem
Instructors and managers with students at the graduate and postgraduate level find it hard to instruct advanced colleagues in science writing - a skill that can seem basic, but is hard to teach later on. Scientists may not have had instruction in giving instruction, and end up doing a lot of rewriting themselves. This project helps busy research scientists coach advanced students.
Solution
This Articulate Rise course hones in on four simple strategies that supervisors can use right away: examples and non-examples; writing as problem-solving; coaching unconscious skills; and basic adult learning principles.
Having worked in multiple divisions in two universities, I'm lucky to have collaborated with leading STEM researchers, artist-academics, and humanitarians. To me, working as a force multiplier in these areas is a personal contribution to public good.
Keeping the Navy at Sea
Advanced Training for AEGIS Technicians (U.S. Navy)
Problem
Due to reliance on civilian, land-bound contractors, U.S. Navy vessels can be limited in time at sea. The Navy is planning a Master Technician Continuum program to build Sailors’ technical skills to maintain systems at sea, but it will take several years to ramp up.
Solution
An instructional package was created to guide participants through on-the-job training that makes the most of every minute of Sailors' limited time on land with high-level technicians. The package includes separate administrative, instructor, and learner guides with accompanying worksheets, assessment rubrics, and a complete timeline to reinforce learning and promote transfer. Due to high Navy interest, a brochure was added to attract more learners.
Cross-Format Instructional Approaches
This product currently in use by the U.S. Navy was created by a team of myself and four others, where I served as project manager. This project highlights the importance of cross-format solutions and required careful collaboration with subject-matter experts in a technical, information-sensitive environment.
A pre- and post- event timeline with accompanying activities to six months out optimizes training time and improves transfer.