2026 New Members

Michelle Alcorn

Hospitality and Retail Management

“Lifelong learning is my primary inspiration. Learning should never stop. Teaching gives me the privilege of engaging with curious minds every day, turning every question into an opportunity to explore, adapt, and grow together. Education is never a one-way street.”

Lisa Bono

Department of Biological Sciences

“I love watching students get excited while learning, especially when you can see their eyes light up when they experience the “Aha!” moment. These are the moments that both stoke their curiosity and build their confidence. More than that, I value supporting my students by providing them the tools they need to achieve their personal and professional goals and help them build their own perspective on the world.”

Amanda Laubmeier

Department of Mathematics & Statistics

“I am inspired by students’ enthusiasm for their education and future. Math isn’t usually the topic they’re most excited about, and it might seem like a hurdle on the way to something else. But math is a foundation for so many things, and my teaching is motivated by students’ passion for those things. Their interests add variety to familiar topics. Their goals give context to necessary skills. It’s always rewarding to watch students grow, and knowing why they want to grow makes every semester special.”

Muntazar Monsur

Department of Landscape Architecture

“What inspires me to teach is the opportunity to empower students to contribute meaningfully to communities and guide their creativity so they can become empathetic designers of the future who build a better world by creating accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable spaces for everyone.”

Derek Oler

Accounting

“I believe my role is to serve as a coach to both teach critical concepts and to prepare my students for successful careers in accounting. This includes preparing them to pass the CPA exam. TTU accounting students already have an established reputation for working hard, and I encourage this in my students. Some of my proudest moments are when I see my former students succeeding and moving forward years after their graduation.”

Tricia Pal

Management, Rawls College of Business

“I see potential in every student I teach, and their successes are mine too. I strive to be their guide, supporting them while challenging them to realize they can do more than they originally thought. I'm inspired by sparking curiosity, drive, and excitement about whatever we're exploring together. When I watch students go on to do great things, I know they've built the skills to keep growing, and I can't wait to see what's next.”

Paul Pare

Biochemistry

“I am inspired by student excitement in science, catalyzed by active inquiry. In exploring complex topics with majors and non-majors alike, we discover how biochemists tackle molecular challenges with real-world impact. Fostering curiosity and critical thinking — grounded in observation — empowers students to engage in the scientific process while navigating a dynamic, interconnected landscape.”

Jhones Sarturi

Animal and Food Sciences

“Teaching within a community-engaged learning model triggers my sense of purpose and excitement! It inspires me to be current and meaningful. While enduring the journey, my students are welcome to learn from peers, get involved with community, and intentionally discover elements in their future profession that will also trigger their sense of purpose and excitement. Simply because we are only as good as we can teach others.”

Melanie Schmitt

Family and Consumer Sciences Education

“What inspires me most about teaching is the ripple effect—the idea that what we share with one student can reach far beyond the classroom. I love sharing my passion for Family and Consumer Sciences and helping students recognize the difference they can make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Watching students grow in confidence, apply what they have learned, and inspire others reminds me why I teach and motivates me to keep learning and growing alongside them.”

Katharine Schoonover

Communication Studies

“What inspires me to teach is the students. I like helping students make connections between communication theory and everyday life. I love when students understand material and then apply what they learn into their own relational contexts. Getting the opportunity to see students grow both inside and outside the classroom motivates me to continue to learn and grow as an educator.”

Jason Schwebke

Accounting

"What inspires me most about teaching is the opportunity to help students develop into confident, thoughtful professionals. I want students to leave my classroom with more than technical knowledge—I want them to know how to think critically, solve unfamiliar problems, and apply what they have learned in meaningful ways. I am also inspired by the great teachers I was fortunate to encounter throughout my own education, whose impact extended well beyond the classroom and continues to influence the way I approach teaching today. Ultimately, I hope to have that same kind of lasting impact on my students as they prepare for their careers and whatever comes next."

Allie Smith

Honors College

"Microbiology and public health impact everyone, and that's what inspires me to teach. Whether students are future clinicians, business majors, or artists, they all have personal experiences with the microbial world—everyone has had strep throat, right? I enjoy helping students discover that microbes are not just pathogens, but essential partners in everyday life. Watching that realization spark curiosity and a lasting interest in science is what I love about teaching."

Changwon Son

Industrial, Manufacturing & Systems Engineering

“My teaching is inspired by the vision of sending ambassadors into the world who make it safer, more compassionate, and more human-centered. Every lesson is an opportunity to shape not only skilled engineers, but also ethical leaders who value every human life. When my students design, innovate, and lead with empathy, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, creating a future where engineering and technology serve humanity.”

Yanyan Zhang

Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

“I personally experienced how my teachers had a profound positive influence on me and changed the course of my life when I was a student. Those experiences made me realize that an educator's impact extends far beyond teaching course content—they can shape a student's confidence, aspirations, and future. That realization inspired and motivated me to become an educator myself.

Teaching is meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to make a lasting difference in students' lives, just as my teachers did for me. My goal is not only to help students to success in classes but also to inspire curiosity, resilience, and confidence that will serve them throughout their careers and lives. Knowing that I can play even a small role in their personal and professional growth continues to motivate me to improve as an educator every day.”