I am interested in applying pedagogy and the science of learning, into how I teach engineering.  improving the teaching of laboratory and computational modules in materials science, focusing on curriculum development and pedagogy.

Teaching methods

• Peer learning assistants to support student project teams and introductory education
• Alternative grading schemes (mastery learning and specifications grading)
• Oral exams
• Active learning
• Supporting student mental health and wellness

Courses

I teach variety of materials science courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level (thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanical behavior, materials selection, laboratory courses).

Contributions to Materials Education:

• SP Gentry. “Materials Science Education Champion Seminar Series.” (https://nanohub.org/resources/33975) 2020.
• N Shuman, SP Gentry. “Materials for Hydrogen-Based Energy Conversion.” (https://nanohub.org/resources/hydrogenenergy). 2020.
• SP Gentry, R Altovar. “‘Turning Fruit Juice into Graphene Quantum Dots’ Supplementary Lesson Plans: Going Atomic.” (https://nanohub.org/resources/34255). 2020.
• SP Gentry, S DeWitt, M Zhang. “Simulating Precipitate Morphology using a Phase Field Model.” (https://nanohub.org/resources/31734). 2019
• SP Gentry. “Scaffolding Simulations in a Rate Processes of Materials Course.” (https://nanohub.org/resources/28793). 2018.
• SP Gentry. “Materials: More than a Name.” DataVis: Materials Properties, McGraw-Hill Education (https://www.accessengineeringlibrary.com/datavis/material-properties#/). 2017.
• SP Gentry. “Linking the Processing and Properties of a Material.” DataVis: Materials Properties, McGraw-Hill Education (https://www.accessengineeringlibrary.com/datavis/material-properties#/). 2017.
• SP Gentry, T Faltens. “Visualizing Crystal Structures: An interactive group classroom activity.” (https://nanohub.org/resources/25263). 2016.

Supporting Student Success During the COVID-19 Pandemic:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the creation of a 1-unit seminar course titled “Strategies for Success in Online Learning”, which was first offered during Spring Quarter 2020. A description of the course and course materials are available here: Seminar on Online Learning