Teaching Statement
In my teaching and mentorship, I bring my research on epistemic norms and structural bias into the classroom, helping graduate students navigate the ethical and conceptual challenges of interdisciplinary research. I’ve contributed to research on graduate education that examines how epistemic norms and institutional structures shape students’ development as researchers (Sarnecka et al. 2022; Alcalay and Vickers forthcoming). This work informs my broader commitment to mentoring graduate students as they engage with the ethical, cognitive, and structural dimensions of knowledge production.
This same commitment shapes my undergraduate teaching, where I emphasize the enduring value of philosophical skills: equipping students with the tools to think critically and communicate clearly, especially in an era of disinformation. My approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, where students actively engage by posing questions, testing hypotheses, and building causal reasoning. By experimenting with tools like AI, students assess responses and uncover assumptions, fostering a hands-on understanding of both philosophical inquiry and the practical evaluation of emerging technologies. To support an active learning approach, I design assignments that build core skills in reading, writing, and analysis through a structured, iterative process. Students submit questions, analyze responses, and reflect on their findings, receiving feedback along the way with opportunities for revision. This structured, growth-oriented approach not only builds mastery but also instills confidence, helping students to leave the classroom with a rigorous, adaptable mindset that will serve them well in any path they choose.
Recent and Upcoming Courses
Flagler College
| Cellmates This course combines on-campus reading and discussions with the art project Cellmates, where students engage with young men at St. Johns Youth Academy through activities like letter-writing, image-sharing, and group interactions. These experiences aim to explore cultural factors that influence privilege and build a supportive network for the youth involved. Additionally, assigned readings and exercises will help students understand systemic barriers to equality. |
| Controversial Ethics |
| First Year Seminar |
University of California, Irvine
| Medical Humanities 1. Health, Wellness, and Conception of the Body |
| Contemporary Moral Problems |
| Medical Epistemology |
| Puzzles and Paradoxes |
| Composition |
| Critical Thinking |
| Introduction to Philosophy |