Welcome to the newest edition of our Teacher-Scholar Spotlight, illuminating PhD students’ insights on teaching and learning! Each month we’ll share the experiences of PhD students who have engaged in Bok Center programming and what they’ve learned about and from teaching.
Lucy Wilson, G2 in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Summarize your research in 2 sentences.
I will be researching the relationship between termite activity and crop yields within subsistence agriculture areas in South Africa.
What have you learned from teaching?
I have learned that teaching others can strengthen your understanding about a topic. Especially, when students are curious and, hopefully, ask questions! This can benefit teachers by exploring the depth of their own knowledge.
How did you get involved with the Bok Center?
Through a recommendation from one of my lab members. Hearing how their pedagogy had benefited from the Bok Center motivated me to investigate potential teaching courses.
What is something you learned in a Bok Seminar that you’ll use in the future?
How to express my scholarly ideas in a meaningful way and to listen with purpose. Already, these skills have translated into a stronger classroom environment.
What would you say to PhD students about why they should get involved with the Bok Center?
Give it a go! If you were at all hesitant, there really is nothing to lose from speaking to the Derek Bok team and seeing what courses might best suit your teaching goals.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
In my homeland of Australia, I used to cycle mountainous, ultra-marathon events (it helps that our mountains aren’t too tall).
Have you been working with the Bok Center this year? Do you want to be featured in the Teacher-Scholar spotlight? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!