Hi everyone, my name is Josh! I was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, but grew up mainly in Calgary, Alberta where my family currently lives. I have been at UBC for about six years, completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2024 before beginning a Master’s program in the Zoology Department as part of Matthews Mosquito Lab, where I am currently in my second year! My research focuses on understanding the taste system and feeding behaviour of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and how this knowledge can help us better understand and potentially reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases.
I have TA’d BIOL 200 for two terms now, and it has been a great firsthand experience in teaching and working closely with students. Although I initially viewed TAing as an intimidating prospect, I have really enjoyed the experience so far!
What do you most enjoy about being a TA?
My favourite part of being a TA is engaging with students and helping them better understand difficult concepts. I find it really rewarding to see students gain confidence and understanding, while also noticing myself becoming better at explaining complex ideas in a clear and approachable way. When I first started TAing, I was nervous about being asked questions I might not know the answer to, but over time I have grown much more confident in that environment. Being able to work through questions with students and help clarify concepts is something I truly enjoy.
How has your unique background influenced your TA experience?
During high school and throughout my undergraduate degree, I frequently tutored students from a wide range of backgrounds, experience levels, and learning styles. Through those experiences, I learned how important it is to adapt my teaching approach to different learners. I feel that this has strongly influenced my TA experience, as I now work with an even more diverse group of students and feel well equipped to support a variety of learning needs.
What is something you are currently doing that you are excited about?
I am really excited about my mosquito research. Being from a country where mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria are highly prevalent makes this work especially meaningful to me. Studying how mosquitoes make decisions about who to bite and blood-feed on is both fascinating and highly relevant, and I always enjoy it when friends and family ask me questions about my research!
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a TA, I try my best to be approachable, relatable, and to foster an environment where students feel comfortable participating and asking questions. As a student, I was often intimidated not only by my TAs, but also by the idea of answering questions out loud and potentially being wrong in front of the class. Now that I am on the other side of that experience, I recognize the same hesitations in many students. Because of this, one of my main priorities when teaching is creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, and asking questions without fear of judgment.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love staying active through running, hiking, and playing sports. I grew up playing soccer and basketball, and since moving to Vancouver I have become really involved in volleyball. Whether it’s competitive leagues, recreational teams, or pickup games with friends, I enjoy sports in almost any capacity. Hiking has also become a really important part of my time in Vancouver, and there are still so many amazing views and trails I hope to explore. Living in a city like Vancouver, with such a great climate for year-round activity, has made it even easier to stay active whenever I can.
