Teaching
Learning is fun! However, I know that post-secondary education can be extremely stressful. In this high-stress environment, I strive to create a learning space that is safe and enjoyable. My teaching aligns with the ARCS model of motivation developed by John Keller, focusing on: (1) gaining and maintaining attention through real life examples, humour, asking questions, and encouraging active participation; (2) making the lecture relevant by connecting the content directly to students’ lives by drawing on past experiences, immediate relevance, and future applications; (3) building confidence by clearly outlining expectations, providing comprehensive constructive feedback, and provide opportunities for student-directed learning; and (4) maximizing satisfaction by making learning fun, providing positive reinforcement, and maintaining consistency of expectations to maximize success and transparency.
I also try to incorporate mindfulness minutes and exercise breaks into my lectures to increase attention and learning while reducing stress.
I have a diverse set of teaching experiences in multiple departments and institutions including: instruction at both undergraduate and graduate levels, course instruction online and in person, guest lectures online and in person, and undergraduate thesis supervision.
I am available for guest or public lectures on health research methods, mental health, and/or substance use. Please feel free to reach out.
Teaching Experience
Courses:
Sessional Instructor, Nursing Research (undergraduate)
2017 – Present (in person and online)
McMaster University School of Nursing
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Theory and Practice of Measurement
2020-present (in-person and online)
Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact at McMaster University
Supervision:
Undergraduate Research Co-supervisor
Rachel Woock, BS Health and Aging (honors)
2018-2019 Academic Year
Thesis: Professor Hippo-on-Campus: a pilot study for a student mental health education program for educators and navigators
Research Co-op Supervisor
Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
Summer 2021
Student Project #1: The impact that COVID19 has had on the opioid crisis in Canada: A rapid review
Student Project #2: How social media and social standards affect youth mental health: A rapid review
Guest Lectures & Interviews:
“Addiction Psychology Fundamentals: Pleasant Activities and Social Support” Clinical Psychology Students and Young Adult Substance Use Program Clinicians at the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research (May 2021)
“Mind your body: Exercise to improve your physical health, mental health, and focus” Coping with COVID and Stress at McMaster University (May 2020)
“Cannabis and Mental Health” McMaster Medical Student Radio: Infectious Dialogue Podcast. Co-interviewed with Catharine Munn (Radio Interview, April 2020) Click to Hear Part 1, Click to Hear Part 2
“Cannabis and Mental Health ” McMaster Lager Lecture for McMaster University Alumni Association (March 2020) Found here: Watch Here
“The buzz kill on current high expectations of cannabis” Health Policy at Laurier University (October 2019)
“Expert Conversations: Youth Mental Health and Cannabis Use for The Science of Cannabis” Collaboration between the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, and McMaster Continuing Education (podcast interview, May 2019) found here: Listen Here
