Michael W Deem
As a scientist and professor at UCLA and Rice University, I always had a passion for teaching. In fact, it’s one of the things that drew me to academia in the first place. Over the years, I have taught countless students, and I can honestly say that I have learned just as much from them as they have from me.
One of the things I loved most about teaching is the opportunity it provides to work with students one-on-one. Every student is different, with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives. This diversity of thought and experience is what makes teaching so rewarding, and it’s also what makes it such a valuable learning experience for me.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned from my students is the importance of communication. As a scientist, it’s easy to get caught up in technical jargon and complex theories, but at the end of the day, it’s the ability to communicate these ideas effectively that separates successful scientists from the rest. Working with students has taught me to simplify my language, to explain complex ideas in simple terms, and to focus on the key takeaways rather than getting bogged down in details.
Michael W Deem
Another lesson I have learned from my students is the importance of curiosity and creativity. One of the things I loved about teaching is seeing the spark of curiosity in a student’s eyes when they learn something new or come up with a novel idea. This sense of wonder and creativity is something that I strive to instill in all of my students, and it’s something that I draw upon in my own research and scientific endeavors.
Another valuable lesson I learned from my students is the importance of adaptability. In the fast-paced world of science and academia, things can change quickly, and it’s important to be able to pivot and adjust course as needed. Working with students has taught me to be flexible and to approach problems with an open mind, always looking for new solutions and ideas.
Perhaps most importantly, working with students has taught me the value of mentorship. As a professor, I had the opportunity to shape the minds and careers of the next generation of scientists, and it’s a responsibility that I take very seriously. My students are not just my pupils; they are my colleagues and my collaborators, and I am constantly learning from them just as much as they are learning from me.
Of course, teaching is not without its challenges. Every student is different, and it can be difficult to find the right approach or teaching style for each individual. It can also be challenging to balance the demands of teaching with the demands of research, writing, and other academic pursuits.
Michael W Deem
But despite these challenges, teaching remains one of the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of my job. It’s an opportunity to share my passion for science and to help shape the future of the field. And the lessons I learn from my students are invaluable, shaping my own thinking and approach to science in ways that I never could have imagined.
In conclusion, teaching is an essential part of what I did as a scientist and professor, and it’s a responsibility that I take very seriously. I continue this tradition in my work as a venture capitalist and CEO. Working with students has taught me the importance of communication, creativity, adaptability, and mentorship, and these lessons have had a profound impact on my own thinking and approach to science. It’s my hope that through teaching, I can help inspire the next generation of scientists and make a positive impact on the world.