Academic-Related
What you wish you knew then, that you know
now as a faculty member:
Keep a good repertoire with colleages and especially senior faculty in the department. Don't underestimate how helpful the department staff can be in your career.
What three steps do you take to prepare for
the school year?
I teach three courses a year (one each quarter) and I look at the whole set right around the beginning of September. I have a set of examples of very good lectures, e.g., Freyman's lectures on Physics, which I list to occasionally, but more often right before the beginning of the Fall quarter. The most effect way to prepare for the school year for me is to participate in the Faculty Fellows Program...it helps me reevaluate my skills as an educator after focusing on research most of summer with papers and proposals.
Most used campus resource and why:
I tend to use the library a lot as I am a book worm. I also go to the bookstore often, to browse through new titles and for coffee.
Most practical advice for balancing teaching,
scholarship, research and life:
- Minimize the effect of distractions, including emergency requests from your Chair, during your "normal working hours." Set aside some time during the day, which you focus on research and/or teaching and nothing else. Learn to say no without alienating your colleagues.
- Funding is important, but always focus on research topicsthat are really really interesting to you.
- Don't over-prepare for your lectures if you are on the tenure track.
- Set aside some time for family and stay away from email during those times.
- If you have small kids, become an early-riser.
In and Around the Northwest
Favorite Northwest activity
or pastime:
Martial arts!
Favorite weekend getaway:
The San Juans and Whistler (Canada)
Best family-friendly activity:
Hiking around the Seattle area; beaches in the summer time.
Favorite happy hour and/or restaurant:
Harvest Vine on Madison (Seattle)
Favorite place to get cheap eats:
University Ave. and Pioneer Square. However, for really good quality cheap eats, hang out with your graduate students.
What do you recommend a newcomer to the area
must do and not miss:
Visit Victoria BC and hike Mount Rainier.
Fun fact – my childhood aspiration
was to be……..
A world famous soccer player.
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