Teaching

I am committed to providing students with practical, industry-relevant, and student-centered learning experiences. My teaching bridges technical foundations with real-world applications, encouraging students to develop both professional knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Teaching Philosophy

Across both UTSA and Virginia Tech, I emphasize active, technology-enhanced, and student-centered learning. By combining traditional instruction with hands-on projects, reality capture, and immersive VR experiences, I aim to prepare students not only to master technical skills but also to collaborate, communicate, and innovate in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio)

Fall 2025

CSM 4643 – Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems

This course provides a practical understanding of the design principles, materials, and equipment used in MEP systems within construction projects. Students explore how these systems affect building performance, occupants comfort, and sustainability, while learning to interpret construction documents, communicate effectively, and evaluate systems in the field.

Virginia Tech (Session Instructor & Graduate Teaching Assistant)

During my Ph.D. studies at Virginia Tech, I served as a session instructor and graduate teaching assistant for two BIM-related courses. In addition to assisting with lectures, assignments, and student projects, I led modules on reality capture and the integration of VR-based design review workflows into student learning. These sessions allowed students to connect digital models with field data (e.g., point clouds, 360° imagery) and experience immersive collaboration for design evaluation.

CEE 5060 – Built Environment Information Modeling and Processing (Graduate Level)

Instructor: Dr. Farrokh Jazizadeh

This graduate course introduces Building/Civil Information Modeling (BIM/CIM) technologies and their applications across the infrastructure project life cycle. Students learn how to develop and analyze data-rich models for design, constructability, sequencing, cost management, and facilities operations.

My Role:

• Taught the reality capture module, demonstrating how point clouds and 360° site imagery integrate into BIM workflows.
• Designed and facilitated VR-based collaborative design review sessions, where students used immersive walkthroughs to evaluate their semester-long virtual prototyping projects.
• Guided students through spatial cognition exercises to bridge 2D drawings with 3D intelligent models.
• Supported team-based projects simulating real-world AEC workflows.

CEE 4844 – Building Information Modeling and Integrated Practices (Undergraduate Level)

Instructor: Dr. Farrokh Jazizadeh, Dr. Hongrui Yu

This undergraduate course provides a foundation in BIM processes and their major uses in construction management, including design collaboration, 4D scheduling, clash detection, and facilities management applications.

My Role:

• Led sessions on VR for design evaluation, where students conducted immersive walkthroughs of their BIM models.
• Helped students identify modeling errors through spatial awareness in VR, fostering critical thinking and communication.
• Linked BIM modeling exercises with real-world construction management practices, highlighting the value of digital tools in planning and coordination.