Meet ATL’s GA Spotlight for October 2026, Janis Gaudreau. Read their full interview below.
1. What course(s) do you or have you taught at URI?
I have taught quite a few courses at URI! The majority of my time has been spent with Dr. Paiva teaching PSY 301: Research Methods. I’ve also been a TA and guest lecturer for NEU 320: Clinical Neuroscience with Dr. Weyandt, NEU 210: Ethics in Neuroscience with Dr. Alber, PSY 113: General Psychology with Dr. Lindner and Dr. Lundy, PSY 103: Toward Self Understanding with Dr. Stein, and now with Dr. Greaney and Dr. Nash in Public Health for HLT 101, 201, and 450.
2. What are the three qualities that you think make for a great teacher?
Compassion, patience, and authenticity.
3. What are you excited to do next in the classroom?
I am always excited to learn about and integrate new technology into the classroom. When I took EDU 513 with Sophia and Penny as part of the Graduate Teaching Certificate, I realized how many tools are readily available to instructors to facilitate discussion and engage students. Since then, I have made an effort to incorporate at least one new tool into each of my classes and reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. As technology continues to evolve, I’ve found that openly discussing how to use these tools responsibly with students is one of the most effective ways to promote their thoughtful use going forward.
4. What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your classes?
I hope my students look back on my classes and remember them as places where they felt comfortable being inquisitive, safe to be themselves, and encouraged to communicate with patience and openness. These are qualities I remember from the classrooms that had the greatest impact on me, and I hope to create that same sense of belonging and curiosity for my students.
5. How do you envision incorporating teaching into your future career?
I hope teaching, in any aspect, is at the core of my future career. While I’ve always been interested in teaching in an academic setting, I can also see myself using these skills to train and mentor colleagues in industry, develop educational materials, and/or communicate science effectively to the community.
6. What is your favorite place to visit in Rhode Island? Why?
Although there are many, my favorite would have to be Narragansett Town Beach. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely sunset walk, a moment to slow down and relax, and to watch the surfers!
7. What do you like to do for fun?
I love listening to live music, meeting new dogs (I always have treats in my car), and thrifting with my friends!
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