Scientific Writing in Biology

In my capacity as a Teaching Assistant for the Scientific Writing in Biology course, I actively assisted Graduate students to convey their research effectively. This course revolved around honing students’ ability to articulate the background of their theses, craft illustrative figures, analyze and interpret data, and engage in written discussion. Drawing upon established literature on scientific writing, students honed their skills in revising their own work and providing constructive critiques to peers.

My roles included providing targeted guidance to graduate students, aiding them in elevating their theses to publication-quality standards. I engaged in detailed reviews of specific sections of their work, offering insightful feedback aimed at enhancing the clarity, coherence, and impact of their writing. To supplement the classroom experience, I undertook class presentations and hosted dedicated office hours, to enable students to clarify any hurdles they faced in writing their thesis.

The diversity of topics covered in this role showcased the interdisciplinary nature of biology, spanning immunology, ecology, bioinformatics, genetics, neuroscience, and biostatistics. In order to provide effective feedback and facilitate meaningful discussions, I conducted background research on each student’s thesis area. This ensured I was well-versed in the content, enabling me to not only offer writing-related insights but also contribute to assessing the accuracy of the data being presented. This multifaceted experience not only honed my expertise in scientific writing but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the breadth of biological research.

Analytical Writing (Humanities)

Engaged as a Teaching Assistant within the Humanities Program, I played an integral role in facilitating interdisciplinary courses spanning history, philosophy, and literature, all deeply rooted in the Western humanistic tradition. These courses offer an exploration of diverse ideas and expressive forms that have significantly shaped modern America.

As part of my role, I actively engaged with over 60 undergraduate students coming from varied backgrounds at UCSD’s Revelle College. Navigating the challenge of comprehending entirely new historical and literary texts, I conducted four weekly discussion sections. Crafting thought-provoking prompts and exercises, I empowered students to grasp core concepts while fostering innovative thinking. This experience also involved meticulously evaluating and providing extensive feedback for over 100 essays each quarter, sourced from a diverse spectrum of texts. Juggling these responsibilities alongside my research and coursework, I cultivated effective compartmentalization techniques. Collaborating with individuals of diverse expertise further enriched my journey, contributing to a holistic and rewarding learning experience.