2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper offers a unique perspective on effective strategies for new faculty members from an assistant professor in the early stages of their academic career. Drawing upon personal experiences and observations, this paper explores key strategies for success in teaching, research and service, focusing on essential principles to help new faculty members with a good start.
In the teaching domain, this paper provides strategies for teaching different levels of undergraduate courses. Topics include preparing new courses, creating engaging and inclusive learning environments, fostering student engagement, and employing innovative teaching methods and technologies. Additionally, it offers suggestions on designing effective syllabi, assessing student learning and feedback, managing the classroom and time efficiently.
In the research aspect, this paper discusses key elements for building research groups in a program with only undergraduate students. It intimately shares the assistant professor's experiences in attracting more students to the research group, seizing opportunities for collaboration, identifying research topics, developing capstone projects and publications.
On the serving side, this paper aims to help new faculty members contribute meaningfully to the academic community while achieving professional fulfillment. Various suggestions are provided in different aspects, such as serving the department and program, academic service, such as serving as a reviewer for transactions and journals, as well as serving in different committees.
Furthermore, the paper highlights the significance of advising, mentorship, self-care, and work-life balance to ensure a fulfilling and sustainable career as a faculty member. Especially as a female faculty member, it is important to find their identity, be a role model for female students, and encourage and assist more female students in pursuing STEM disciplines.
Through personal experiences from an assistant professor on the challenges and rewards of early-career academia, this paper offers a fresh and relatable perspective on the journey of new faculty members. This paper aims at equipping new faculty members with practical tools, resources, and best practices.
By embracing the strategies outlined in this paper, new faculty members can become effective and valued contributors in their teaching and service roles, navigate the challenges of academia with confidence, fostering personal and professional growth while enriching the educational and research experiences of their students and colleagues.