Erika L. Cyphert, PhD
Teaching/Mentoring
Guest Lecture
Spring 2021
Cornell University
MAE 4640 (Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics)
Developed and taught lesson on orthopaedic biomaterials
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Case Western Reserve University
Spring 2018
EBME 325
Introduction to Tissue Engineering
-Responsible for grading exams and developing rubrics, consulted students on crafting research proposal (R21), developed exam questions
Fall 2017
EBME 306
Introduction to Biomedical Materials
-Responsible for grading exams, developing rubrics, leading/teaching weekly recitation and review session
Fall 2016
EBME 451
Molecular and Cellular Biology
-Responsible for grading assignments/exams, developing rubrics, and leading review sessions
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Case Western Reserve University
Fall 2015
EBME 306
Introduction to Biomedical Materials
-Responsible for grading assignments/exams
Spring 2015
EMAC 276
Polymer Properties & Design
-Responsible for grading assignments/exams, developing rubrics
Teaching Certificates/Programs
Cornell University
Spring 2021
Course Design Institute
Learned how to develop a course, created a draft syllabus for a new course, learned about different teaching pedagogies/strategies for an inclusive/engaged classroom
Spring 2021
Teaching Portfolio Institute
Learned how to construct research, teaching, and diversity statements for faculty job search and created a draft teaching portfolio
Invited Workshops
August 2021
Cornell University Einaudi Center for International Studies, Ithaca, NY
"My Fulbright Experience - A reflection on my Fulbright year, cultural experiences, and serving as a 'cultural ambassador' in Poland"
-Developed and led a workshop on crafting a successful Fulbright Program Grant and interviewing
-30 participants undergraduate/graduate students interested in applying for the grant
March 2019
FLEX Future Leaders Exchange Program (US Dept of State), Warsaw, Poland
"How to gain confidence in public speaking"
-Developed and led interactive workshop for Polish students in the FLEX Future Leaders Exchange Program
-Gave examples of good/bad presentation slides and facilitated discussions on what makes a good deck of slides
-Gave examples of different strategies that can be employed to increase confidence in giving presentations with English as a second language
-20 participants comprised of high school, undergraduate, and graduate Polish students
November 2018
Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
"From high school to infinity and beyond: pursuing STEM in America"
-Developed and led a presentation for Polish medical students on conducting medical research in the United States and offered advice for how they could get involved in such opportunities
-Discussed how research differs between US and Poland
-50 participants comprised of medical students
Mentorship
I have served as a mentor for 11 undergraduate, 3 high school, and 1 medical student in the lab
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As a mentor, it is my primary goal to help each student realize their own potential and gain confidence in their capabilities. In the laboratory setting, before showing a student a new technique I provide them background on the topic, allow them to do independent reading, show them the steps, and have them follow along until they are confident. They are encouraged to ask questions to facilitate learning. Once they have gained confidence in the technique, they are assessed by performing the task independently (without supervision) and the result is analyzed with constructive feedback. It is my aim to foster a positive learning environment, so if a mistake is made, the student is not criticized, but rather a mutual discussion is held in which we collaboratively develop strategies to mitigate the error moving forward. I have found that it is more productive to hold these collaborative discussions to help the student build their confidence.