Fresh Faculty Voices

My colleagues, who are experts in their individual areas, have fostered an energetic and cooperative environment that’s conducive to diverse interdisciplinary research. I’m very excited about collaborating with them. I see myself complementing existing expertise on machine learning in the department while charting new territories in AI safety and governance.

For me, teaching doesn’t happen without engagement. My first and foremost job in teaching is to inspire and motivate students to be invested in the course. One effective approach is by grounding course material in real-world challenges and spending time early in a course to take on new engineering challenges–to build and experiment with new things and to think critically for themselves.

I believe that ensuring the long-term positive outcome of transformative AIs is one of the most critical challenges we need to tackle at the moment and that GW is uniquely positioned to be a leader in this area. I think GW is ready to make meaningful contributions to shaping policies around AI safety, and I’m excited to use my technical work to inform that process.

 I am very excited to have extremely supportive colleagues and to work in a spacious, modern building and office. GW CS has a strong computer security research program, covering many areas such as embedded systems security, cryptography, and privacy. My research on systems and software security perfectly complements that of my colleagues.

My teaching style is highly thought-provoking. I ask many questions in my class and guide students to gradually deduce the answers. I also encourage students to think critically and question both the status quo and state-of-the-art technologies.

I chose to join GW Engineering because of its collegial atmosphere and prime location.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to join the faculty at GW Engineering because of the school’s commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. The chance to engage with a dynamic student body and contribute to GW’s mission of preparing future engineers for multidisciplinary challenges aligns closely with my teaching philosophy and research goals. I am especially drawn to the school’s focus on advancing engineering education, and I see significant opportunities to contribute to that growth through my work in engineering pedagogy. I am also eager to collaborate with the esteemed faculty at GW, whose expertise and innovative approaches to teaching will inspire me to further refine my own pedagogical strategies. I look forward to contributing to the continued development of GW Engineering and helping shape the future of civil engineering education.

I am dedicated to cultivating a learning environment where students not only acquire a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering but also develop into driven and innovative engineers ready to tackle challenging and complex tasks with determination and enthusiasm. My teaching philosophy revolves around active learning strategies, which go beyond traditional lectures to engage students in the learning process. By incorporating projects and interactive discussions, I aim to provide students with practical experiences that mirror the complexities of the engineering field. Through these methods, I seek to empower my students to become not only proficient engineers but also leaders in their fields.

I chose GW Engineering as the next step in my career because of its strong commitment to supporting faculty as well as its talented and motivated student body. The opportunity to work in an environment that fosters innovation, provides access to cutting-edge research facilities, and encourages interdisciplinary engagement is exciting. Additionally, I am excited to have the unique opportunity to work in the inspiring atmosphere of our nation’s capital, which attracts a diverse community of students and professors.

I am thrilled to join GW Engineering, especially with its strong focus on collaboration and innovative research. The environment here feels perfect for advancing my research on flapping flight and fish swimming and exploring new ideas in fluid dynamics. I’m looking forward to bringing a creative, cross-disciplinary approach that will strengthen both the department and the larger engineering community. My goal is to help the school grow by getting students and faculty involved in projects that combine art and science, making engineering more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone.

My teaching style is all about interaction and being student-centered. I focus on hands-on experiences with project-based assignments that encourage creative thinking and effective communication. Through my classes, I want to inspire students to ask meaningful questions, look beyond just the technical side, and appreciate the concepts by using real-life examples. I am really excited to contribute to the “Engineering and…” initiative, where I can blend engineering and art to make fluid dynamics more visible and spark curiosity and creativity in students. For example, in my Flow Visualization course, I encourage students to experiment with capturing fluid dynamics through photography, combining technical skills with creativity. My goal is not only to teach them science but also to spark a sense of wonder and appreciation for how engineering connects to the world around us in unique ways.

GW’s commitment to cross-disciplinary research, as well as its vibrant location in Washington, D.C., made it an ideal choice for me. The university’s focus on public engagement and science communication aligns perfectly with my work on the Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion, which brings fluid dynamics to life in museum settings for diverse audiences. I am very excited to contribute to GW’s vision for forward-thinking engineering education that values creativity, innovation, and real-world impact. With so many museums and galleries around D.C., I am also planning to expand my Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion. The exhibit will highlight the beauty and complexity of fluid dynamics in a way that connects with a wide range of audiences, helping them learn the content and explore their identities. It will also use theoretical models to make the experience more engaging, offering visitors new perspectives on the world and themselves after visiting the exhibit.

Joining the faculty at GW Engineering is exciting to me because of the school’s commitment to diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the innovative integration of engineering with real-world applications. These align closely with my teaching and research philosophy. My background in leading diverse teams on multidisciplinary projects aligns well with GW’s emphasis on practical, community-oriented problem-solving. Moreover, my experience with DEIB initiatives, active research in engineering education, and multifunctional materials would further GW’s commitment to impactful research that benefits both academia and society.

My teaching style is deeply rooted in a student-centered philosophy, emphasizing inclusivity, engagement, and the practical application of knowledge. I strive to create a respectful and welcoming environment by understanding each student’s background and fostering collaborative learning. Through hands-on projects and interdisciplinary collaboration, I encourage students to appreciate diversity, think creatively, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. I aim to help students build the confidence to apply their skills ethically and effectively in real-world scenarios.

GW Engineering stood out to me as the ideal next step in my career due to its commitment to impactful teaching, diversity, and building interdisciplinary collaborations. The university’s location offers exceptional opportunities to engage with cutting-edge industries, research institutions, and policy-making bodies, creating a dynamic environment for engineering education that encourages societal involvement. Joining GW allows me to expand my research and teaching initiatives, particularly through projects that combine engineering and educational technology, creating a vibrant learning environment that benefits both students and the department.

My joining the faculty at GW Engineering excites me because the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and innovative community is incredibly appealing. My research focuses on renewable energy integration in power systems and smart grids, which aligns well with GW Engineering’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges. By integrating cutting-edge research into the curriculum, I aim to inspire students and prepare them for future challenges in their careers.

I would describe my teaching style as interactive and student-centered. I believe in creating an inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable engaging in discussions and asking questions.

The vibrant location in Washington, D.C., offers unique opportunities for partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions, which I find incredibly appealing for both my research and my students.