My Certifications
Academy for future faculty
The Academy for Future Faculty (AFF) at Texas A&M University is a professional development program and a CIRTL@TAMU initiative, part of the NSF-funded Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) network. This network of research universities is dedicated to preparing outstanding future faculty in STEM disciplines to improve undergraduate STEM education nationwide. AFF equips graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with the skills and knowledge needed for successful academic careers, emphasizing the implementation of effective teaching practices for diverse learners. Through workshops, seminars, mentoring, and reflective activities, participants explore topics such as course design, active learning strategies, inclusive teaching practices, and career planning. By fostering a collaborative learning environment and connecting participants with experienced faculty mentors, AFF supports the CIRTL mission of advancing excellence in undergraduate education and developing a national faculty committed to innovative, evidence-based teaching as part of varied and successful professional careers.
Graduate mentoring academy
The Graduate Mentoring Certificate at Texas A&M University equips graduate students with the knowledge and skills to become effective mentors in academic and professional settings. This program emphasizes the principles of mentorship, fostering supportive relationships, and guiding mentees toward academic, personal, and career success. Through workshops, seminars, and reflective activities, participants explore topics such as communication strategies, cultural competency, ethical considerations, and conflict resolution. Designed to accommodate the diverse needs of graduate students, the program offers flexible learning opportunities that integrate theory with practical application, preparing participants to make a meaningful impact as mentors in their respective fields.
Teaching as Research
The Teaching-as-Research (TAR) program through CIRTL (Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning) is a professional development initiative designed to prepare graduate students and postdoctoral scholars for excellence in evidence-based teaching. As a CIRTL program, TAR emphasizes the integration of research principles into teaching practices, equipping participants with the tools to design, implement, and assess innovative teaching strategies that enhance student learning outcomes.
Through workshops, mentoring, and project-based learning, participants develop skills in project design, data collection, and analysis, fostering a reflective and scholarly approach to teaching. The program supports the CIRTL mission of advancing effective, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching practices in higher education, with a particular focus on improving STEM education.
TAR participants engage in collaborative learning environments, leveraging mentorship and peer feedback to conduct research projects that investigate and improve instructional strategies. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the TAR program prepares future educators to contribute meaningfully to undergraduate education and supports the development of a national faculty committed to innovative teaching.
Advanced Research Methods (ARM) Certification
The Advanced Research Methods (ARM) Certificate is a graduate-level certificate program that provides and showcases the individual's expertise in advanced research methodologies, distinguishing them in both academic and professional circles. It highlights their ability to lead complex research projects, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance organizational research outcomes. With demonstrated publication experience and proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative methods, this individual is positioned as an invaluable resource capable of delivering innovative research solutions and confidently managing sophisticated studies for any organization.
Artificial intelligence & machine learning certification
The Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is a graduate-level program designed for professionals aiming to master modern AI methodologies. Delivered through distance learning, the program provides hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI and ML tools while building a strong theoretical foundation. The flexible curriculum emphasizes algorithmic fundamentals and practical applications, covering advanced topics such as robotics, natural language processing (NLP), and pattern matching. Through statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, and real-world AI model applications, students develop expertise in implementing and assessing cutting-edge tools while learning to interpret and validate AI-driven results. Designed for working professionals in engineering, research, and analytical fields, the program creates a collaborative learning environment through virtual engagement, group projects, and interactive sessions that accommodate professional schedules.
Professional development certifications
MY CIRTL CERTIFICATIONS
1. CIRTL Associate
- Completed - April 2024
- Academy for Future Faculty Participant
2. CIRTL Practitioner
- In-Progress - anticipated completion May 2026
- Teaching-As-Research Scholar
- My Teaching-as-Research (TAR) project focuses on leveraging AI-enhanced educational programs to improve
learning outcomes for first- and second-year engineering students in foundational courses. I am integrating
personalized learning pathways to address the diverse needs of students as they transition into the rigor of
engineering education, helping them build confidence and competence in essential topics like math, physics, and
engineering fundamentals.
Using a mixed-methods approach with an emphasis on qualitative research, I am exploring how adaptive AI tools
influence student engagement, self-efficacy, and retention in STEM fields. These tools provide tailored support,
enabling students to grasp complex concepts more effectively and fostering a deeper understanding of engineering
basics.
Through this project, I aim to enhance early engineering education while providing valuable insights into how
technology-driven approaches can support student success during the critical first two years of their academic
journey.
3. CIRTL Scholar
- In-Progress - anticipated completion April 2025
- Academy for Future Faculty Co-Director 2024
- Academy for Future Faculty Executive Committee Member 2025
Center for Integrated Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) Certification Descriptions
CIRTL Associate
- Overview: Demonstrates a foundational understanding of evidence-based teaching practices and their importance in improving student learning.
- Requirements: Participation in introductory workshops or seminars focusing on core CIRTL concepts such as learning-through-diversity, teaching-as-research, and effective teaching strategies.
CIRTL Practitioner
- Overview: Builds on the Associate level by applying evidence-based teaching practices in a classroom or educational setting. Participants engage in teaching-as-research (TAR) projects to explore and assess the impact of their teaching innovations.
- Requirements: Completion of a TAR project, along with additional professional development in advanced pedagogical techniques.
CIRTL Scholar
- Overview: Represents the highest level of certification, showcasing leadership in implementing and advancing evidence-based teaching practices. Scholars actively contribute to the CIRTL community and mentor others in teaching and learning.
- Requirements: Significant engagement in teaching-as-research, advanced professional development, and demonstrated commitment to inclusive and effective teaching practices.
Each level builds upon the previous one, providing a structured pathway to develop, apply, and lead in evidence-based teaching, aligning with CIRTL’s mission of advancing excellence in undergraduate education.