I discovered my love for teaching early. In high school I worked with Intercambio, a Colorado-based NGO that focuses on teaching English as a foundation for uniting and connecting Colorado’s immigrant community with education and opportunities in Colorado. Since then, I have had the privilege to work with students from a wide-variety of backgrounds and in a wide variety of settings. I have served as a teaching fellow in formal classrooms at Harvard, in field courses in Florida, New Mexico and Italy. I have also worked with undergraduate and graduate research assistants in the United States, India and Nepal. I am dedicated to an interactive teaching approach that encourages students to balance a rigorous understanding of existing knowledge with the creativity and courage to develop their own ideas and approaches to the material.
Currently, I teach Sustainable Development (ESPP 11) as an appointed lecturer in the Environmental Science and Public Policy Program at Harvard University. You can find a syllabus for the course here.
Previously, I served as a Teaching Fellow (TF) for several undergraduate and master's level courses, including Environmental Politics (ESPP 78) with Professor Sheila Jasanoff, Sustainability Science (IGA 944) with Professor William Clark, Food Policy and Agribusiness (BGP 204) with Professor Ray Goldberg, and Water Policy (ESPP 10) with Professor John Briscoe. I have also been a guest lecturer in Innovation for Global Development (IGA 523) with Professor Calestous Juma.
During my time as a teaching fellow, I was awarded the Derek Bok Certificate of Distinction and Excellence in Teaching a total of five times—every time I was eligible for the award.
Below are a few examples of what students have said about me in anonymous course reviews:
“So amazing. She really encouraged us to develop our policy-writing skills as well as pursue the things we’re interested in. She guided us along but still gave us enough space for us to independently figure things out. Gave us advice not only about ESPP but life in general. She’s SOO COOL. =)”
“Alicia was an incredible instructor. I think she should have been given the reigns on this course and the course could improve by having her as the lead professor. What made her so wonderful was not simply because she is extremely intelligent and has a knack for teaching, but because she cares for each of her students by putting a lot of time and effort into helping them understand confusing topics. Her positivity and enthusiasm are contagious.”
“The best TF I have experienced. Is so prepared and caring. I want her to be an advisor/professor. Absolutely Incredible!!”
“I really enjoyed the section with Alicia. She made us feel comfortable and the atmosphere was always positive and supportive... Alicia made sure our questions were always addressed.”
“Best TF I’ve had so far at Harvard, hands down. Alicia was absolutely incredible. I’ve never felt more comfortable in a classroom situation, so encouraged, or so supported.”
“She is wonderful! She genuinely cares about our success, is always accessible, and is very knowledgeable about the subject matter. She goes above and beyond expectations for any TF.”