Josephine Bou DagherAssistant Teaching Professor

Education

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Georgia, Athens Georgia, 2021
• M.S. in Neuroscience, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, 2013
• B.S. in Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, 2009

Teaching Philosophy 

To me, learning is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. As an educator, my role is to provide the pieces, framework, and supportive environment for students to explore and connect their knowledge into a cohesive masterpiece. I encourage my students to take breaks when they reach a dead end, view their ideas from different perspectives, and collaborate with peers for fresh insights. Teaching is about fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and personal growth.

I am committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered. I utilize online simulations, games, virtual labs, educational videos, and animations to facilitate interactive learning both inside and outside the classroom. These eLearning platforms not only capture students' interest but also enrich the learning experience, offering diverse ways to tackle complex, inquiry-based topics. Additionally, integrating arts and music into science lessons helps me build rapport with students and fosters critical skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication in an enjoyable manner.

With every class I teach, I learn something new. Every student I meet has something new to teach me too. Teaching is an evolving and reflective journey that requires continuous adaptation to meet students’ needs. It involves setting the stage for learning outcomes, facilitating active and student-centered learning, tracking progress through various formative and summative assessments, and closing the learning loop with constructive feedback. Ultimately, teaching is about asking the right questions, engaging students, nurturing their ideas, and inspiring them to become change-makers in the world.