teaching
Student Perspectives on My Teaching
My teaching is grounded in the belief that students learn most effectively when they feel both challenged and supported. Across courses in information studies, design, humanities, and cultural studies, I work to cultivate inclusive learning environments, foster intellectual curiosity, and build relationships that support students’ academic and professional growth. The following comments, drawn from student evaluations across multiple courses and years, reflect recurring themes in my teaching practice.
Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
I strive to create classrooms where students feel welcomed, supported, and challenged. My teaching emphasizes meeting students where they are, encouraging diverse perspectives, and cultivating spaces where all students can participate confidently and safely in discussion and collaborative learning.
Relevant Student Quotes
“Nadia had a very inclusive approach to meeting students where their experience levels were and tailoring her educational approach based on that. She always ensured that students felt comfortable while keeping the course challenging, always allowing for creative freedom and exploring their interests.” (SI 110 / ALA 119 / STS 110, Winter 2025)
“Nadia made every student feel welcomed and encouraged everyone to share their perspectives.” (SI 110 / ALA 119 / STS 110, Winter 2025)
“I normally am nervous to contribute to class discussions but never felt this way in Nadia’s section.” (SI 110 / ALA 119 / STS 110, Winter 2025)
“Discussion was the best part! Grateful for a safe space to discuss this very important topic.” (AMCULT 311, Winter 2019)
“People always felt comfortable speaking their mind about a touchy subject matter due to her positive attitude.” (AMCULT 311, Winter 2019)
Student-Centered Mentorship and Support
Students learn best when they feel supported both intellectually and personally. I prioritize accessibility, responsiveness, and empathy, working closely with students to help them navigate challenges, develop confidence, and achieve their learning goals.
Relevant Student Quotes
“Would respond to emails late at night, always willing to listen and make students feel understood. Super empathetic person, who inspires people to do their best no matter their circumstance.” (SI 110 / ALA 119 / STS 110, Winter 2025)
“Absolutely the best GSI I’ve ever had. She was beyond responsive and was so helpful and nice. I cannot stress how much she has helped me in my understanding of the course and tending to my needs.” (MIDEAST 315 / ISLAM 315, Winter 2020)
“THE BEST GSI I’ve ever had! She is so calm and understanding of conflicts that came up throughout that course.” (MIDEAST 315 / ISLAM 315, Winter 2020)
“Nadia truly cares about her students, and it shows.” (AMCULT 201, Fall 2018)
“I love how responsive she was to my emails and always tried her best to answer my questions. Super proactive and super kind.” (SI 407: Advanced Design, Fall 2024)
“She’d always always always be kind and understanding no matter what.” (SI 407: Advanced Design, Fall 2024)
Discussion Facilitation and Intellectual Engagement
Whether in discussion-based seminars, design courses, or interdisciplinary classrooms, I encourage students to engage critically with ideas, connect course concepts to their own experiences, and develop deeper analytical perspectives through dialogue and reflection.
Relevant Student Quotes
“Nadia is great, she is very in touch with what students need and how to properly facilitate a discussion.” (AMCULT 311, Winter 2019)
“She challenges us to think more deeply.” (AMCULT 311, Winter 2019)
“Nadia was wonderful. She really expanded on all that we learned in lecture and deepened our understanding of the course material.” (MIDEAST 315 / ISLAM 315, Winter 2020)
“I can’t stress enough how awesome of a discussion teacher and role model she is.” (SI 110 / ALA 119 / STS 110, Winter 2025)
Teaching Excellence and Impact
My goal is not only to help students master course material, but also to create meaningful learning experiences that students remember long after a course ends. The comments below reflect the lasting impact students have described across multiple courses and years of teaching.
Relevant Student Quotes
“Nadia was the best discussion instructor I have had at school. She was always engaged and caring. I always looked forward to going to discussion.” (SI 110 / ALA 119 / STS 110, Winter 2025)
“Nadia is the best GSI I have ever had in my 3 years at the University of Michigan. She is passionate about teaching, and clearly cares about the lives and well beings of her students.” (AMCULT 311, Winter 2019)
“I feel that Nadia was the saving grace of this course—she is truly an excellent educator!” (AMCULT 311, Winter 2019)
“Nadia was my favorite GSI in college.” (MIDEAST 315 / ISLAM 315, Winter 2020)
“She was by far one of the best GSIs I have had.” (MIDEAST 315 / ISLAM 315, Winter 2020)
I have been a graduate student instructor for the following courses:
Winter 2026: SI 410: Ethics and Information Technology, School of Information, Lecturer Katie LaPlant, University of Michigan.
Fall 2025 : SI 407: Advanced Design Studio, School of Information, University of Michigan.
Winter 2025 : SI 110: Introduction to Information Studies, School of Information, Professor Kentaro Toyama, University of Michigan.
Fall 2024 : SI 482: Interaction Design Studio, School of Information, Professor Oliver Haimson, University of Michigan.
~Hiatus from Teaching—Starting again in 3rd year of PhD Program ↑
Graduate Student Instruction during my Master’s Program ↓
Fall 2020 : AMCULT 215: Introduction to Arab American Studies, American Culture Department, Professor Matthew Stiffler, University of Michigan.*Course fulfills Race & Ethnicity Requirement
Winter 2020 : MIDEAST 315: Introduction to Arab Culture, Middle Eastern Studies Department, Professor Carol Bardenstein, University of Michigan. *Course fulfills Race & Ethnicity and Upper Level Writing Requirement
Fall 2019 : AMCULT 205: Motor Nation: Car Cultures, Race and Gender, American Culture Department, Professor William Calvo-Quirós, University of Michigan. *Course fulfills Race & Ethnicity Requirement
Winter 2019 : AMCULT 311: Race and Broadway Musicals, American Culture Department, Professor Bethany Hughes, University of Michigan. *Course fulfills Race & Ethnicity Requirement
Fall 2018 : AMCULT 201: American Values, American Culture Department, Professor Scott Larson, University of Michigan *Course fulfills Race & Ethnicity Requirement