Teaching & Mentoring

Teaching experience and pedagogical approach

Since earning my University & College Teaching Certificate in China in 2006, I have committed myself to higher education, advancing from Assistant to Associate Professor at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications. Over a seven-year tenure, I taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including GIS Software Application and Development, Digital Elevation Models, and WebGIS, where I consistently combined rigorous theoretical foundations with practical, real-world applications.

For technical courses such as GIS Software Application and Development, I emphasized hands-on, experiential learning. Classes were held in computer labs equipped with ArcGIS, where students engaged in real-time demonstrations and collaborative projects that mirrored industry scenarios. This interactive environment not only enhanced technical competencies but also nurtured creative problem-solving and teamwork.

In more theoretical courses such as Digital Elevation Models, I enriched the curriculum with insights from my own research. This gave students exposure to advanced analytical tools such as topographic-attribute extraction and flow-direction modeling, and invited them to engage critically with the material. Their feedback and perspectives contributed meaningfully to both my teaching and ongoing research, creating a reciprocal learning environment.

Philosophy in practice

At the core of my teaching is a belief in empowering students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. My approach is guided by four key principles:

1. Knowledge Transfer — Delivering clear, foundational instruction in core theories and technical skills.
2. Inspiring Enthusiasm — Creating engaging, relevant, and curiosity-driven learning experiences.
3. Guidance and Support — Providing mentorship that respects individual challenges while promoting independent thinking.
4. Community Impact — Equipping students to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit society and the environment.

With extensive teaching experience, innovative course design, and a strong research foundation, I am well prepared to contribute meaningfully to an academic community. I am passionate about nurturing future professionals in geospatial science and environmental modeling, and I look forward to collaborating with faculty and students to foster educational excellence.