Byron Hempel
“Dr. B” or “Byron”, He/Him, Non-Degree Seeking Student
WEBSITE: https://sites.arizona.edu/byronhempel/
Preferred Contact
EMAIL: byronhempel@arizona.edu
Social Media: @youcangetthisafteryougraduate
Biosketch
Dr. Byron Hempel received his PhD in Environmental Engineering at the University of Arizona in 2019, having received his B.S. in Chemistry at the University of Kentucky in 2014 and Masters in the Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Arizona in 2017. Working under Dr. Paul Blowers for his PhD, his focus was on improving the classroom environment in higher education by working in the active classroom using evidence-based teaching practices to improve student learning. His current teaching subject areas are introduction to engineering, introductory coding in MatLab and Python, microbiology applied to engineers, wastewater treatment system design, a hands-on laboratory for senior engineers, a water and energy course for architecture students, and a graduate-level teaching as research seminar. He instructs first-year students through graduate students, fully online to hybrid courses, and core, gen ed, and elective courses. He also started leading the ENGR 102 team fall 2023. His service includes being on the Environmental ABET and Curriculum committee, mentoring the UofA Climbing Club and Pole and Aerial Fitness Club, and participating faculty learning communities (FLCs) on campus. He often pursues professional development opportunities throughout the semester to further develop his courses[A1] .
Teaching Goals
Every semester, my main goal is to get students through each of my courses having reached a minimum level of understanding of course content as measured by assessments of learning outcomes. If possible, I try to get students intrinsically motivated to learn material on their own with little extrinsic motivators from me. I also want students to be honorable people. As we all are on a journey of continuous development, I hope students learn they too have continuous growth in maturity and character development [A2].
Background
I grew up in the small town of Danville, KY, where – now – Trump flags are proudly flown by many individuals. I grew up in a traditional Christian church where we had “that one gay couple.” During undergrad at the University of Kentucky, I found rock climbing, a variety of different perspectives in the world, and a newfound sense of identity. Moving to Tucson, AZ for graduate school, I could start fresh on who I was, and redefine myself. I no longer wanted to be a medical doctor but teach engineering instead. I still love rock climbing, will always love learning new topics, and hope to spread kindness in the world [A3].
[A1]192 words; notice that this tells you what I do, and you get to infer what skills and other things I may have associated with the items listed. I don’t need to say “I’m passionate about teaching and supporting students” because it shows in the involvement that I have. [A2]Goals are SMART: (specific, measurable, assignable, realistic and time-related). There is a main goal and side quests. [A3]Relatively brief, gives you a general background of who I am/where I came from, and you can get a sense of who I am.