Caring about teaching in the classroom and research lab

There are some common themes that exist between teaching students in a course and in an experimental research lab. Both require an effort to foster good communication skills related to the presentation of findings and scientific discovery. Teaching and mentoring skills evolve in both environments through a willingness to change, whether that change comes from a self-desire to improve, a roadblock that must be overcome, or an unexpected opportunity that presents itself. Both types of teaching are strengthened by building connections between related pieces of information and through establishing cooperative and collaborative professional relationships. Balancing a career between teaching and research is a challenging but important and rewarding endeavor, and demonstrating to your students that you care is vital for successful outcomes.