I am a Master’s student in the Botany Department at Dr. Abel Rosado’s Lab, hoping to finish my thesis this year! I moved to Vancouver in 2023 to pursue higher education, after completing all my previous studies in Nigeria.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Plant Biology at the University of Ilorin, where I researched the nutritional composition of local Nigerian vegetables. For my first Master’s degree at the University of Ibadan, I focused on the antioxidant screening and therapeutic potential of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in atherosclerosis. Currently, my research at UBC explores the impacts of climate change and cumulative land-use threats on the habitat integrity of culturally important plant species in British Columbia.
Over the years, I’ve TA’ed BIOL 260: Fundamentals of Physiology, BIOL 112: Biology of the Cell, and I am currently TAing BIOL 121: Genetics, Evolution and Ecology for the second time.
What do you most enjoy about being a TA?
My favorite part about being a TA is interacting with students! As a student, my professors and research advisors made and continue to make a real difference by reaching out and encouraging me, and now I strive to carry that forward. I make it a priority to foster curiosity, open dialogue, and create a safe, welcoming space where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in conversation. Teaching brings me joy, and I always try to remind students that we’re all human first. We learn together, make mistakes and all. Sometimes even as a TA, I often end up learning something new myself, and like one of my professors used to say: the only foolish question is the one not asked!
What has being a TA brought to your graduate studies experience?
Being a TA has taught me how to embrace the unexpected. As a graduate student, life can sometimes feel routine, but teaching pushes me to think differently, solve problems on the spot, and practice quick decision-making. One moment my mind is preoccupied with making my models work and running the statistics, and the next moment I find myself answering a question about the outcomes of nondisjunction in meiosis II. Balancing the roles of researcher and TA has strengthened my adaptability, mentorship, and critical-thinking skills, while also making me appreciate each role even more. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in my daily steps, especially in a large classroom!
What opportunities relating to teaching and learning have you been a part of?
I participated in the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) offered by the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) this past summer, and I really enjoyed the experience. Since starting my TAship, I’ve been eager to strengthen my teaching skills, and ISW provided an excellent platform to practice presentations, apply active learning strategies, and receive constructive feedback. Looking ahead, I hope to further develop my teaching and learning expertise by participating in programs such as the Certificate Program in Advanced Teaching and Learning (CATL).
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is grounded in active engagement, meaningful relationships, and inclusive education. I view the classroom as a dynamic space where both students and instructors contribute to the learning process through open dialogue, hands-on activities, and critical questioning. I believe that strong, trust-based relationships create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing struggles, receiving feedback, and growing beyond the classroom. For me, practicing inclusion involves honoring classroom diversity, being mindful of assumptions, creating common agreements, and adapting support to meet the needs of a wide range of learners.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to “travel back home” to Nigeria, not literally, but through my food! I prepare sumptuous local delicacies such as smokey Jollof rice, Efo riro soup (Spinach vegetable), and Ofada rice with Ayamase sauce, much to the delight of my family. Many of these dishes require elaborate meal prepping and slow flavor-building, so I often pull out my spice boxes and get to work. I usually make large batches of these meals to store in the refrigerator for later. And if you’re ever curious about Nigerian cuisine and don’t mind a little spice, I highly recommend trying Nigerian jollof rice at least once in your lifetime, it’s unforgettable!
How has your unique background influenced your TA experience?
Honestly, I count myself very fortunate to have a cross-cultural experience. It’s not every day you come across a TA who has crossed the Atlantic to be here, and I think coming from a background where face-to-face connection is valued has encouraged me to foster comfort and openness in student dynamics. I’m aware that this passion may not always come across as intended, but for many students it helps soften the traditional power dynamics of the classroom. Just the other day, I discovered that two of my students share roots in my own tribe, I saw the excitement in their eyes, and I felt it in mine as well. Moments like this remind me that inclusion truly matters and it can go a long way in shaping the learning experience.
What are your plans following graduation?
This is one question I don’t have a definite answer to. I know I’m graduating soon, but I still don’t quite know what I want to do and maybe that’s what life is all about! What I do know is that I enjoy many things: teaching, research, and exploring the cultural dimensions of biodiversity. If wishes were horses, I’d do all of them and get paid, but for now I’ve made peace with focusing on at least one or two. Wishes don’t pay the bills……..but if the odds fall in my favor, I just might be back!
