Feb. 2024

1. Would you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to teaching?

I’ve always enjoyed learning – I’ve been in a school setting every academic year since pre-school! As a graduate student I had the chance to TA and then to teach my own classes about international relations and national security. I learned then that I really enjoyed working with smart, motivated students who challenge me and seem open to new ideas. I was quite lucky to find the job I currently have. I love that I get to continuously learn about so many different subjects. 

2. You're a veteran teacher in both NCSSM's Online and Residential programs. Would you tell us about the courses you've taught this year? What activities do your students engage in during the Online Weekends?

I’m teaching two sections of East Asian Studies I and II this year on the Durham campus and AP European History online. In the evenings I’ve been pursuing professional development about some newer topics such as K-pop and Chinese science fiction, and I’m excited to begin incorporating some K-wave content in my East Asian Studies course. As for my AP European History Online Weekends, I like to take students to the Nasher at Duke or the NC Museum of Art so that we can see examples of works representing different eras and draw connections between the art and social/political developments. I also like watching historical films that help bring to life historical material. 

3. Would you tell us about the courses you'll be teaching in NCSSM Online in 2024-2025? What are you most excited about sharing with your students? What kinds of activities will they be doing?

Next year I’ll be teaching International Relations and Western Political Theory, two courses I created for the Online program but haven’t offered the last few years while I’ve been teaching AP Euro. International Relations is a political science course that examines the way states and non-state actors (individuals, NGOs, and international institutions) interact. In this course we apply theoretical perspectives to real-world situations to better understand why countries go to war, engage in trade, create international organizations, etc. I’m excited to offer students the opportunity to better understand what they read about in the news and to explore a field in social science that’s new to most students.

I’ll also be teaching Western Political Theory. I chose the title deliberately – wanting to emphasize what the course addresses and what it does not. We focus on philosophers often considered part of the Western “canon,” both from the ancient and modern eras. This allows us to follow a dialogue stretching across time that explores evolving values, assumptions, and ideas about how we organize ourselves and who we empower with making decisions for the community. We also read more recent voices that both analyze and critique these theorists. I’m excited for students to expand their understanding of the past (and present), and to learn other ways of living in and structuring the world. 

4. I know that you're very engaged in professional development. Would you tell us more about the courses, workshops and seminars you've participated in? 

Since I’ve taught East Asian studies for many years, I’ve spent several summers in Boulder, Colorado, learning about East Asia thanks to CU Boulder’s Teaching East Asia center. I’ve also traveled to Turkey, Japan, and south France where I’ve participated in professional development programs that let me interact with locals and observe sites firsthand. In the past year, I’ve been an Educator-in-Residence with the University of Florida's Center for European Studies, and I took a short course in K-pop last fall. Any day now I’ll start a new course about contemporary Chinese science fiction, and I’m definitely looking forward to this one!

5. You're also an avid international traveler and language learner. What are some of your most memorable travel experiences? Do you have any advice for students who are interested in studying or traveling abroad?

I had two formative experiences in high school that changed my life’s trajectory. First, I traveled to Italy with the school’s Latin club as a sophomore. I wasn’t even taking Latin yet, but I wanted to see another part of the world. I was so impressed by this trip that I then decided to become an exchange student. I attended lycée in France for a year where I began my study of the French language, which I’d continue in college. Since then I’ve traveled abroad frequently and studied several languages to varying extents. My favorites are Italian and French though I also love learning about Chinese words and calligraphy. My most memorable experiences abroad were during family trips – seeing dozens of sea turtles riding the waves toward shore and then trudging up a beach in Costa Rica to lay eggs was unforgettable. And taking my wife and kids to Italy and France recently will always be one of my favorite experiences. For those wanting to travel or study abroad, I definitely recommend looking into NSLI-Y immersion programs as well as exchange programs like those sponsored by Rotary International. Most colleges also have study abroad opportunities, so I would try to incorporate these into planning about which degrees or majors to pursue. Living abroad and learning other languages opens so many doors to new experiences and exposes us to alternative ways of seeing and being. 

6. What are some of your interests beyond teaching?

I keep active physically – most days I either run or go to a local Crossfit gym, which I’ve found to be a great community. I also like reading historical fiction and, more recently, fantasy. 

7. What's a "fun fact" that your students don't know about you?

Thanks to my grandmother’s side of the family I recently became an Italian citizen! I don’t plan to head off to Italy just yet, however, except perhaps for another J-Term. 

8. Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

Maius opus moveo.