Shubham is a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island pursuing his MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering, under the College of Engineering. Through his roles as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant, he has supported both laboratory based and project driven learning across multiple semesters. With a background shaped by design education and interdisciplinary engineering experiences, Shubham is particularly interested in how learning environments influence the way students think, engage, and perform. He is particularly passionate about classroom comfort and ergonomics, believing that both physical and mental well-being are essential foundations for effective learning.
What course(s) do you or have you taught at URI?
I have not been a ‘teacher on record’ but a Teaching Assistant for all the courses mentioned below. My duties involved helping set up and conducting labs, and mentor the students if projects were involved in the course.
Fall ’24 (Semester 1)
MCE201 Engineering Graphics (Computer Aided Design)
ISE241 Lab for Manufacturing Processes and Systems
ISE420 Human Factors and Ergonomics
Spring ’25 (Semester 2)
MCE201 Engineering Graphics (Computer Aided Design)
ISE304 Engineering Economics and Project Planning
Fall ’25 (Semester 3)
EGR425 Innovation for Defence
Spring ’26 (Semester 4*)
This semester, I am working as a Research Assistant in the URI ANCHOR program. My duties involve attending K12 outreach programs and conducting seminars, performing administrative duties and data analysis.
What is one piece of teaching advice that you have received that you would like to pass on to others?
“The best teacher is one who teaches a student how to learn.”
What are the three qualities that you think make for a great teacher?
I will not use the word ‘great’ but maybe ‘good’ is the right word for it.
Patience. I understand that learning and understanding is a long process. Sometimes it’s instantaneous and sometimes it suddenly hits after a long time. But when it does, it is fulfilling. So I try to explain concepts as clearly as possible and let the student take it from there.
Simplicity. I like to keep things stupid simple. It works really well and my audience stays with me! (for the most part)
Humor. I don’t like when classes are serious all the time. I am grateful that I got to learn from professors who have a great sense of humor at URI.
What are the three qualities that you think make for a great teacher?
Design school changed my perspective towards everything. My professor, who I consider my mentor, used to ask me a lot of questions. More questions followed after I had found answers to his older questions. His questions were very basic as he challenged all my assumptions. In the pursuit of coming up with answers for him, I learnt how to think and that there is never one correct answer.
What are you excited to do next in the classroom?
I strongly care about classroom comfort and ergonomics. When I observe students’ posture during my classes, I can see that they are uncomfortable while sitting and it gets in the way of learning. I believe physical discomfort should be the one less thing to be worried about. So for my next class room, I would like to make my classes more comfortable for the students, physically and mentally.
What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your classes?
“What was that class again? That TA was so cool. I think I learnt a lot.”
How do you relax after a long day of teaching?
I make 2 cups of coffee.
Bring my rocking chair and one extra chair out on the patio.
Sit and chat with a friend.
Watch the sunset while I/we sip coffee.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to find parking at 9am on a Monday. (Just Kidding)
I do a LOT of things for fun. Or maybe I try to keep/make the things I do fun.
I love going out, in general. But going to the gym is worth mentioning. I love the dopamine.