SBME Interfaces

SBME Interfaces with Gabi Lam and Jenna Usprech

September 08, 2021 UBC School of Biomedical Engineering Season 2 Episode 6
SBME Interfaces
SBME Interfaces with Gabi Lam and Jenna Usprech
Show Notes Chapter Markers

In this episode, we interface with Dr. Gabrielle Lam and Dr. Jenna Usprech, both Assistant Professors of Teaching at SBME.

We discuss changing the way we teach (on the fly), what makes SBME special as a proving ground for integrated experiential learning, student wellness, changing our mindsets around teaching, and more.

All episodes available on to watch on YouTube

Guests:
Gabrielle Lam
Assistant Professor of Teaching, SBME

Dr. Lam is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Materials Engineering at the School of Biomedical Engineering. She has a BASc in Materials Engingineering from the University of Alberta and a MASc & PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto. She draws on her research and educational experience in tissue engineering, biomaterials and regenerative medicine to design new curriculum and courses. Gabrielle’s particular interest is in integrating experiential learning to improve student development of self-regulated and collaborative learning skills.

Learn more about Gabi here


Jenna Usprech
Assistant Professor of Teaching, SBME

Dr. Usprech, PhD, PEng, is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the School of Biomedical Engineering. She received her PhD from the University of Toronto, her Master’s from Queen’s University (both in different areas of tissue engineering research), and her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Engineering from the University of Guelph. Dr. Usprech joined UBC in 2019 so that she could introduce new areas of the field to undergraduate students and continue to be immersed in biomedical engineering education. She is particularly passionate about student wellness, science communication, and classroom strategies that promote critical thought and retention of material.

Learn more about Jenna here

Hosts:
PAYAM ZAHEDI

Strategic Planning & Operations Director, SBME

Payam is a born problem solver and dot connector who believes that real impact only occurs when everyone is given the means to chase it. He's the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations at UBC's School of Biomedical Engineering and holds a BASc in Biomedical Engineering and an MSc and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, from the University of Toronto. He believes we are better together and is an advocate for equity and inclusivity. In his spare time, when he's not chasing his two sons around, he's experimenting in the kitchen, reading crime fiction and untangling the mechanisms of effective leadership.

MIGUEL EICHELBERGER
Communications & Engagement Manager, SBME

Miguel is an unflinching optimist. He is a communicator and writer whose work has appeared in literary magazines and on stages around the world. His most recent publications include Harpur Palate, the Literary Review of Canada, Plainsongs Magazine, and Soliloquies Anthology. He believes in authenticity; in doing and saying what you actually believe, and he is an obsessive student of leadership from the biological and anthropological perspectives. You've likely heard him rant about it, and he's not sorry.

SBME Interfaces with Gabi Lam and Jenna Usprech
On how the pandemic has effected teaching, hands-on instruction, etc.
On what we can take forward into the "new norm" of teaching
On what brought both to teaching and academia
On the creative process of course development
On what brought both to UBC
On what makes SBME special
On the future of the education in BME
Jenna on the importance of student wellness
Gabi on her research and what she's focusing on in education
On advice for the teachers and leaders out there who want to bring in more experiential learning and adaptation
Jenna's favourite course she's taught so far: Bioethics
Gabi's favourite class to teach: BMEG 102
Jenna on using virtual dance classes to unwind & Gabi using connection to decompress
Advice to their 20 year-old selves
Jenna on building a new course on science communication
Gabi on developing case study videos on forensics engineering and material engineering and how it folds into everyday life