The Teaching Table Podcast

Curiosity becomes a catalyst when a university treats innovation as a shared language, not a side path. We sit down with Hadar Borden, Director of the Startup and Innovation Collaboratory at the University at Buffalo, to unpack how a campus-wide ecosystem helps students and faculty turn ideas into impact. Hadar takes us inside a model that blends master classes, innovation sprints, and design challenges with hands-on mentorship from venture coaches, experts and entrepreneurs-in-residence.

Artificial Intelligence has dramatically transformed the educational landscape, leaving both students and educators navigating uncharted territory. Dr. Kelly Ahuna, Director of Academic Integrity at the University at Buffalo, discusses this complex issue in our thought-provoking episode about AI tools, academic honesty, and the future of assessment.

Burnout is a challenge many educators face, but how do you recognize it and navigate through it? In our latest episode of The Teaching Table podcast, we talk with Dr. Aisha O'Mally, a professor at the School of Management, about her experience with burnout. She shares how the demands of teaching and workload took a toll on her well-being and how she found ways to regain balance and reconnect with her passion for education. Tune in to hear her insights and reflections on maintaining well-being in academia.

Unlock effective teaching strategies that resonate with today’s students in a post-pandemic world. Kathleen D'Alfonso, adjunct instructor in UB’s Educational Opportunity Program, shares innovative techniques for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences—like daily planners, color-coded assignments, and personalized communication.

Dr. Seval Yildirim, UB's Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence, joins us on the Teaching Table podcast to tackle a pressing question: How can we foster an inclusive environment that excites and engages everyone on campus? Discover her strategies for managing change and progress in equity, diversity, justice, and inclusion as she shares her personal journey and the importance of understanding a campus's unique culture.

Can experiential learning be the key to unlocking students' career potential? This episode, featuring Dr. Mara Huber, the newly appointed Senior Director for Instructional Innovation and Transformation in the University of Buffalo's Office of Curriculum Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT), aims to answer that question with a resounding yes.

What if artificial intelligence could revolutionize dental education? Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking initiatives spearheaded by Dr. Nathalia Andrade from the UB Dental School. In this episode, Dr. Andrade shares her journey of securing an AI Seed Fund for her transformative project, "Transforming Periodontal and Dental Care Powered by Artificial Intelligence." She unveils her innovative course, Periodontal and Dental Technologies, which seamlessly integrates AI, digital planning, and microsurgery into dental training. Dr. Andrade discusses her structured teaching approach, emphasizing the importance of a solid knowledge foundation and her dedication to making learning engaging and efficient for her students.

Ever wondered how to make math not just understandable but also exciting? Join us as we uncover innovative teaching techniques with Corey Placito, a dynamic lecturer in the University at Buffalo's department of mathematics. Since 2012, Corey has honed his methods through trial and error, becoming a master at connecting with diverse learning styles and fostering a student-centric environment. Discover how he uses multimodal learning and exciting Python projects to transform his differential equations classes, making math more approachable and engaging. Corey's public speaking skills and his knack for student engagement are just the tip of the iceberg in this enlightening conversation.

Explore innovative teaching practices in higher education with Dr. David Emmanuel Gray, an Associate Teaching Professor of Philosophy at the University at Buffalo. Discover how Dr. Gray elevates academic integrity and career competencies through unique methods like having students sign an academic integrity code. His emphasis on teamwork and writing skills prepares students for future careers, while his approach to experiential learning and community engagement enriches their academic experience. Gain insights into how diverse perspectives can shape discussions in your courses, fostering a vibrant learning environment.

Have you ever sat in a classroom, eyes glazed over, wondering if there's a better way to learn? Dr. Swathi Karamcheti, with her vibrant storytelling and rich experiences, is transforming the educational landscape, one engaging lecture at a time. In this episode, we welcome this passionate educator who reveals how she captures the imagination of her students in the realm of environment and sustainability at the University of Buffalo. Swathi's journey is a testament to her commitment to adapting and evolving her teaching craft, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard and inspired.

Embark on a transformative journey with Dr. Jeffrey Kohler as we tackle the mid-semester crescendo of higher education. Our enlightening discussion promises to arm you with the strategies you need to navigate midterm assessments while keeping your students engaged and on track.