How We Teach Teaching

A Snapshot of Graduate Student Instructor Duties and Training in Chemical Engineering

Authors

  • Christopher V.H.-H. Chen Columbia University, United States
  • Lisa G. Bullard North Carolina State University, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7488-2275
  • Adam Melvin Clemson University, United States
  • Sandra L. Pettit University of Alabama, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-139037

Keywords:

graduate program, pedagogical training

Abstract

In 2024 the AIChE Education Division surveyed departments over how they prepared graduate student instructors (GSIs) and the roles these GSIs have. This survey was completed by 70 departments, reaching departments big and small; with and without graduate teaching requirements; and a wide range GSI training programs. This first-of-its-kind survey helps to capture a baseline of how we train GSIs in chemical engineering, which can help departments better understand how to prepare their graduate students.

Author Biographies

Christopher V.H.-H. Chen, Columbia University, United States

Christopher V.H.-H. Chen, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Chemical Engineering at Columbia University. He completed his PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University, and MBA at Columbia Business School. His teaching and research interests include the application of case- and problem-based approaches to STEM teaching; improving critical thinking with educational technology (e.g., AI);  integrating sustainability and other human considerations into the engineering training; and preparing graduate students as future leaders.

Corresponding author: cc4210@columbia.edu

Lisa G. Bullard, North Carolina State University, United States

Lisa G. Bullard is an Emeritus Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemical and 26 Biomolecular Engineering at NC State. A faculty member from 2000-2025, Dr. Bullard has won numerous awards for both teaching and advising. Dr. Bullard’s research interests lie in the area of teaching and advising effectiveness, academic integrity, chemical engineering instruction, and  organizational culture.

Adam Melvin, Clemson University, United States

Adam Melvin, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Clemson University. Prior to that he was a faculty member at LSU from 2013-2023. He earned his PhD from N.C. State University. His research interests include biosensor development and microscale technologies to control and investigate cell-to-cell communication and the cellular response to external stimuli. He has been involved in GSI training since his days as a graduate student.

Sandra L. Pettit, University of Alabama, United States

Sandra L. Pettit, PhD, PE is the Associate Dean for Student Success in the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama. She developed and continues to provide pedagogical training for undergraduate learning assistants and graduate teaching assistants. Her teaching background includes freshmen and team-based senior engineering courses with integrated professional development. Prior to joining academia, her industrial experience included over 15 years of team management in manufacturing, plant design, and construction.

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Published

2025-09-29

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 4 (2025): Fall 2025

Section

Manuscripts