Teaching

Sumali’s teaching philosophy:

I believe that science is an attitude, and my classroom should breed that attitude. This attitude is critical for the development of well-informed citizens of this world. As a teacher, I strive to nurture students’ curiosity in the practice of science in a safe-non-threatening and inclusive environment for free-flow of information and to have fun while learning. I would consider myself successful at teaching, if walking out of my class, the students will want to gather the information pertaining to their personal and society-related issues, critically analyze it, draw conclusions, and communicate their opinions effectively.

I have developed and I am currently teaching the following courses at MSUM:

  1. Microbiology (BIOL350) and Microbiology Lab (BIOL350L): This is a course intended for Biology majors and is offered every Fall.
  2. Immunobiology (BIOL430) and Immunobiology Lab (BIOL430L): This is a writing-intensive course intended for Biology majors and is offered every Spring.
  3. Cell Culture and Immunochemistry (BCBT 462): This is a writing-intensive, technique-based course for Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biotechnology majors, and is offered every alternate Spring.
  4. Medical Microbiology (BIOL438): This is a restricted elective for Biology majors, and a required course for students in Public Health emphasis. This course is offered every Summer.
  5. Introduction to Public Health (BIOL248): This is an introductory course for students in Public Health emphasis and minor. The course has designated spots for the Biosciences Learning Community students at MSUM. This is also a LASC8 (global perspective) course and a student from any major can take the course. The course is offered every Spring.
  6. Introduction to Microbiology (BIOL236) and lab (BIOL236L): This is a LASC 3 course in Microbiology, intended pre-nursing and Biology non-major students. The course is scheduled for every Summer and Spring.
  7. Principles of Infectious Disease (BIOL615): This is a graduate-level course in infectious diseases for the 18-online cohort and for graduate students in the Masters of Curriculum and Instruction.

In the past, I have taught Virus Hunters series (SEA-PHAGES courses), Introductory (Organismal) Biology lab and Genetics (a writing-intensive course).

STEAM Project: 

A microbiology picture book for kids: Kayla Mehrer and Fardous Alshaikhli created a picture book entitled “Lactobacillus: our friendly bacteria” for their Microbiology class STEAM project (Fall 2019). Copyright pending: Kayla_Fardous

 

Micro for fun – Aspergillus, bacteriophage and the mushrooms on a wooden surface, painted with acrylics!

 

 

 

Open Educational Resources (OER) Projects: 

The following projects are currently in progress:

  1. Interactive books for all my current courses, using H5P platform. This project was funded through MN State grant.