August 2026-Present

I serve as an Adjunct Lecturer in General Chemistry at the University of La Verne, where I teach students the foundations of chemistry through an evidence-based, active-learning approach. My teaching draws on research in chemical education to emphasize conceptual understanding over memorization, with a focus on making abstract ideas concrete and intuitive for students encountering them for the first time.

• Adapted a department-mandated general chemistry curriculum for non-majors, ensuring that lectures incorporated active learning activities such as guided problem solving, think pair share, jeopardy style reviews, all while meeting required content and pacing benchmarks

• Used formative feedback (quizzes, informal polling, and surveys) to continuously calibrate teaching to student understanding 

• Provided accommodations and scaffolded support for a diverse, non-major student population with varying quantitative backgrounds

Fall 2026 Chem 201 CRN 50226

As part of the Institute for Future PUI Faculty I gave a guest lecture in Biochemistry.

• Designed and taught lectures on Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis

• Incorporated real-world examples and problems as part of the course as well as interactive class kahoots

• Used a worksheet to help students visualize the glycolysis pathway that they filled out throughout class

2021-Present

I regularly train graduate researchers and post doctoral researchers in the theory, operation, and data analysis of biophysical spectroscopy instruments (found in the Beckman Institute Laser Resource Center), with an emphasis on developing independence, experimental rigor, and critical interpretation of results.

Circular Dichroism (CD) Spectroscopy

I provide hands-on training in circular dichroism spectroscopy for protein characterization, including:

• Fundamental principles of CD and secondary structure analysis

• Instrument setup, calibration, and best practices for data collection

• Sample preparation considerations (buffer choice, concentration, path length)

• Identification and mitigation of common artifacts (buffer subtraction, noise)

• Data processing, normalization (mean residue ellipticity), and visualization

Fluorescence Spectroscopy (Fluorimetry)

I train researchers in steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, focusing on the following: 

• Fluorescence fundamentals (excitation/emission, quenching, inner filter effects)

• Instrument setup and optimization of acquisition parameters

• Data analysis and quantitative interpretation

• Troubleshooting signal artifacts and reproducibility issues

Across both platforms, I emphasize good experimental practice, clear documentation, and reproducible analysis workflows.

Accepted Participant (April 2026)

I was selected to participate in the Institute for Future PUI Faculty (IFPF) at Lafayette College, a professional development program designed to prepare future faculty for teaching-centered careers at primarily undergraduate institutions.

The program focuses on evidence-based pedagogy, inclusive teaching practices, undergraduate mentoring, and the integration of research and teaching in PUI environments. I will update this section to reflect specific training experiences, curricular development, and mentoring outcomes from the program.

Chem 153a- Winter 2024, Winter 2025

California Institute of Technology, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Course Description from  Caltech CCE Course Catalog:

Topics in modern inorganic chemistry. Electronic structure, spectroscopy, and photochemistry with emphasis on examples from the research literature.

Instructors: Gray, Winkler 

During this time I adapted a matlab script into an easy-to-use Franck-Condon Simulator  for the students in the course that can be accessed below:

Chem 126-Winter 2024

California Institute of Technology, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Course Description from Caltech CCE Course Catalog:

Quantum mechanical foundations of the spectroscopy of molecules. Topics include the theory of radiation-matter interactions, applications of group theory to spectroscopy, angular momentum, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, rotational spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy.

Instructor: Winkler

Chem 3x- Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021

California Institute of Technology, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Course Description from Caltech CCE Course Catalog:

Introduces concepts and laboratory methods in chemistry and materials science centered on the theme of solar energy conversion and storage. Students will perform experiments involving optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry, laser spectroscopy, photochemistry, and photoelectrochemistry, culminating in the construction and testing of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Instructor: Mendez

This course took place during the pandemic, at the time I recorded demo videos for students to see experiments. See below:

High School Honors Chemistry - 2015-2016 Academic Year

Etiwanda High School

During my senior year of high school, I co-taught an honors chemistry course, where I prepared and conducted interactive demonstrations of chemical reactions. I delivered several lectures on various chemistry topics and recorded a few demonstrations, making them available online for students to view. See below: