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Case Studies in Teaching and Learning
Research Administration Toolkit
SJSU Guide to Awards: Concept to Dissemination
Problem
As research activity grew at SJSU, faculty and research administrators spent too much time hunting for forms, policies, and answers. Research needs outpaced staff capacity, with many people were working at odd hours, when specialists weren’t available. Our unit needed a scalable resource hub to give faculty consistent, self-serve guidance whenever they needed it.
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Solution
A central intranet consolidates policies, training, and resources. Hosted on Canvas, the platform most familiar to SJSU PIs, it includes targeted modules on NIH and NSF proposals, fellowships, compliance, budgeting, and more.
I collaborated closely with subject-matter experts and coordinated video production to create a cohesive, easy-to-use training experience.
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 campus resources. Faculty are overwhelmed by applicants, without an easy way to assess readiness.
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Solution
A self-paced, cost-efficient, cross-disciplinary program with an optional e-badge offers all the basics, along with subcredentials in subject areas. It can be done anytime, including during the summer when faculty are not available.
This program builds essential research skills, introduces ethical and practical standards (including optional CITI training that may be required later), and connects learners to tools, mentors, and opportunities across disciplines. There is no cap on enrollment, so every student who wants to participate in research has a place to start. Faculty are also able to direct students to the entire course, or specific pages.
I was the lead on this project and provided instructional and graphic design, working with subject matter experts, students, videographers, and administrators to bring the program to life.
Teaching Rocket Scientists to Write
Teaching Science Writing: Four Hacks (UC Santa Cruz)
Problem
Instructors 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. Since many scientists (and faculty!) haven't had instruction in giving instruction, they end up doing a lot of rewriting themselves. This project helps busy research scientists coach advanced students.
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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.
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Across Disciplines in Higher Ed
Having worked in six departments across three divisions, I'm lucky to have collaborated with leading climate scientists, artist-academics, social science humanitarians, and so many more inspiring contributors. Collaborating with subject matter experts on workflow efficiency and teaching solutions is another worthy contribution.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A pre- and post- event timeline with accompanying activities to six months out optimizes training time and improves transfer.