Teaching

Philosophy and experience

My teaching philosophy centers on care, cultural relevance, and student agency. I aim to create learning environments where students feel seen, respected, and intellectually challenged. Drawing from my experiences as an educator, student affairs professional, and researcher, I view teaching as a relational practice that connects students’ lived experiences with academic inquiry. I prioritize dialogue, reflection, and inclusive pedagogy to support students’ critical thinking, confidence, and sense of belonging in higher education.


Teaching Experience

University and international contexts

Teaching Assistant, ED 125: Schooling in the United States
UC Santa Barbara · Sep 2024 – Aug 2025
  • Facilitated weekly discussion sections focused on equity, policy, and educational opportunity.
  • Supported students in connecting course concepts to personal and societal contexts.
  • Provided written feedback and academic mentoring.
Graduate Teaching Fellow, SKILLS Program
UC Santa Barbara · Jan 2024 – Jun 2024
  • Designed and facilitated workshops on academic skills and college transition.
  • Supported first-year and continuing-generation students in building confidence and self-efficacy.
Teaching Assistant, ED 123: Culture, Development, and Education
UC Santa Barbara · 2023
  • Led discussions on identity, culture, and educational development.
  • Assisted with grading, feedback, and student support.
Teaching Assistant, Korean Language Courses
UC Santa Barbara · 2025
  • Supported instruction in Korean language learning and cultural context.
  • Worked with students across multiple proficiency levels.
Teaching Assistant, SOC POL 332
Northwestern University · 2020
  • Assisted with undergraduate instruction in sociology and policy-related coursework.
English Teacher, Peace Corps
Indonesia · Apr 2012 – Jun 2014
  • Taught English language and communication skills in secondary school settings.
  • Developed culturally responsive lesson plans and community-based activities.
English Teacher
South Korea · 2009 – 2010
  • Provided English instruction to K–12 students in classroom and small-group settings.

Teaching Interests

Current and future focus

  • Higher education and student development
  • Equity, identity, and belonging
  • Culturally engaging pedagogy
  • Qualitative research methods
  • Asian American and immigrant student experiences
  • AI and learning as supportive academic tools