Teaching Philosophy
Teaching and mentorship are vital to the practice of research and have created a significant impact on my scientific education and my motivation to work in academia. My teaching experience has led me to the conclusion that a well-organized, interesting lecture needs to have the following elements: i) create a friendly environment in the classroom; ii) start the lecture with basic topic; (iii) convey a clear statement of the lecture's main topic; iv) numerous examples used to illustrate the main points (hands on); and v) a repetition of the take-home message at the end of the lecture. I strongly favor teaching core techniques and ideas above memorizing of facts and formulas. I believe that the key part of effective teaching is to take occasional breaks from lecturing to get students to refocus and to discuss conceptual questions. This method provides instant feedback on the students’ comprehension. It also allows for discussion with peers and transfer of the knowledge from students that already understand to those who do not.​
Overall, I feel qualified to teach general level undergraduate and graduate courses at the departments of material science, chemistry, physics, and chemical engineering and to participate in a campus-wide, interdisciplinary science programs. In an ideal situation, I would create new course on the subject of "Heterogeneous catalysis and chemical bonding on surfaces" or a specialized course on “Computational methods for electronic structure of materials”.
In summary, my teaching philosophy is based on interactive, effective, and feedback-based approach. My research mentorship involves identifying obstacles and objectives as well as visual outcomes interpretation. My teaching interests are multidisciplinary with themes that span from material science to chemistry and chemical engineering with the scope covering both experimental and theoretical methods.
DEI Statement
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are particularly important ingredients to make a workplace to be successful. I am amazed to see that how all the Universities highlight DEI as their integral part of academic curriculum and fundamental mission, which is mostly aligned well with my commitment to DEI. As I was born and grew up in a Muslim family in a low privileged country like Bangladesh, I have observed how science can be challenging, unfair, and biased. From my past experiences, I am committed to contribute to the University DEI scheme by engaging students via different programs and ensuring that everyone is given opportunities to achieve their academic goals.
During PhD, I was mentor of three fresh graduate students (2 of them are women), as well as few undergraduate and M.Phil. students under our group. In research, I participated and contributed into different range of research fields including fuel cell, CO2 reduction, N2 reduction, energy storage, and biochemical, using comprehensive experiments, theory calculations, machine learning modeling. At Stanford, I attended a workshop where I gained knowledge on how to communicate with students effectively who have different educational backgrounds, abilities, and cultures that are significantly different from mine. I participated as one of the panelists together with Prof. Thomas Jaramillo and Prof. Talat Rahman in a discussion topic of ‘DEI in Catalysis Research’ organized by SUNCAT summer Institute 2021.
As a Faculty, I will actively endeavor to enhance DEI in research, classroom, department, and across the campus by creating equal opportunity for individuals specially from historically under-represented groups. In my lab and department, I will specifically look for scholarship and fellowship possibilities for minority students. I want to engage myself with university DEI program and campaign across the university. Finally, I believe DEI is an essential part for academic and scientific success. I will commit to work with students and faculty members regardless of their racial or ethnic background, gender, age, religion, language, skills or disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic standing, or nation of origin.