Teaching as a Graduate Student Instructor:
Introduction to Empirical Analysis and Quantitative Methods
In this introductory course, we reviewed material from the lecture which included game theory, hypothesis building, and testing, identifying the benefits and drawbacks of different research methods, and conducting and interpreting statistical analysis.
Conflict, Security, and Political Psychology
In this upper-division course students explored issues related to international and domestic conflict through the lens of political psychology. As a graduate student instructor, I spent time reviewing lecture material and teaching the fundamentals of research design. Students were tasked with submitting a research proposal at the end of the semester.
Human Trafficking
In this upper-division course, students learned about human trafficking across different contexts and the legal, political, and public health concerns regarding this topic.
Teaching as D-Lab Instructor:
Institutional Review Board Fundamentals
Taught a two-hour-long Zoom workshop on Institutional Review Board fundamentals for graduate students and UC Berkeley affiliates working on a project that involves human subjects. In this course, I described the purpose and origin of the IRB, walked students through different types of protocols and how to determine the appropriate protocol, and discussed the review and amendment process.
Student Testimonial
“Vanessa is one of the best GSI’s I have ever had at Berkeley. She was so understanding and kind throughout all of it that it made me enjoy the course more. Additionally, Vanessa was very organized and accessible throughout the entire class. She knew the material very well and did everything she could to make sure we understood if we had questions. Vanessa was also always available through email And at her office hours, which was incredibly helpful throughout the semester. There are very few GSI’s who genuinely care about their students the way Vanessa does. I am very thankful to have been able to have her as a GSI and I strongly believe that her role as a GSI is what allowed me to succeed in this course.”
“I really like this section because my GSI understands our difficulty of learning on Zoom, and always friendly when I have questions. Reply emails promptly. Super flexible to adapt the needs of students. SO far Vanessa is the BEST GSI I have had in Cal so far. Really chill and dynamic class environment.”
“Vanessa was an incredible GSI who thoroughly broke down topics if the class was struggling, took feedback (even though she didn’t have to), connected with her students, and gave very effective examples and problems for us to do in the section. I also appreciate the way she went through our homeworks with us, encouraging us to speak up even if we were unsure and allowed for room for discussion or debate about certain questions.”