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.
Stephan Foianini, G5 in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Summarize your research in 2 sentences.
My lab studies the neural circuits responsible for sensorimotor integration and behavior in larval zebrafish. I'm interested in exploring the behavioral responses of larval zebrafish to low-oxygen environments.
What have you learned from teaching?
Teaching has shown me that everyone learns differently, and it's up to me to find what clicks for them. I've also come to realize that true understanding of a topic emerges when you teach it. This process has not only deepened my grasp of the material but also bolstered my confidence in my own expertise.
How did you get involved with the Bok Center?
I'm always looking for new ways to enhance my teaching and mentorship skills. The Bok Center seemed like the ideal place to do just that.
What is something you learned in a Bok Seminar that you’ll use in the future?
I've learned how to properly perform active listening. My understanding of active listening has been profoundly transformed after attending workshops at the Bok Center. I've come to appreciate it as a skill that requires consistent practice and deliberate effort to master. It's a skillset that I've put into practice in both my academic and personal life.
What would you say to PhD students about why they should get involved with the Bok Center?
The Bok Center is an invaluable resource that everyone at Harvard, especially grad students, should tap into. Whether you see yourself staying in academia or moving on into industry, teaching and mentoring are universal skills you'll benefit from honing. The seminars and workshops cover an expansive range of topics, providing you with the tools and environment to evolve as educators.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
Over the pandemic, my partner and I started building a LEGO city. As of now, it's made up of over 35,000 pieces and contains over 12 buildings with full interiors!
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!