Teaching Philosophy
For me, teaching is an act of connection with students. My priority is to connect students to the subject matter and to the world around them. I see economics not just as a set of graphs and equations, but as a story of our choices and their impact on our shared environment. Many students approach economics with apprehension, seeing it as something abstract or intimidating. My first goal is to remove that fear and cultivate a teaching atmosphere of inquiry and empathy, where students learn to approach complex problems not with fear, but with curiosity, compassion, and the confidence to ask challenging questions.
Courses taught and teaching responsibilities at the University of Kentucky
Designed and delivered a comprehensive undergraduate course covering international trade theory and agricultural applications. Lectures connected trade concepts to real-world agricultural markets, with assessments designed to evaluate student understanding. Provided individualized feedback and support to help students succeed in mastering complex economic concepts.
Supported the primary instructor in course delivery and student engagement. Managed assignment grading and provided detailed feedback to students. Conducted weekly office hours to assist students with course material, and facilitated discussion sections connecting environmental economics concepts to current environmental issues and policy challenges.
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests align closely with my research goals, focusing on:
- Environmental and Resource Economics - Climate change impacts, sustainability, and natural resource management
- Agricultural Economics - Agricultural policy, and food systems
- Applied Econometrics - Statistical methods for economic analysis
- International Trade - Global agricultural markets and trade policy
I am particularly interested in developing courses that integrate economic theory with environmental challenges, helping students understand how economic tools can address environmental and sustainability problems.