DL Ambassadors - Dr. Susan McKenzie

Dr. Susan McKenzie is the associate dean of programs for STEM at Southern New Hampshire University. She has taught chemistry, mathematics, and physics at undergraduate and graduate levels. Susan has been teaching with Carolina Distance Learning kits since 2018.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work?

The most fulfilling part of my work is seeing our students fulfill their dreams of becoming a scientist. Many of our STEM students start their undergraduate education with low confidence and lack of belief that they will succeed. Our typical student has additional responsibilities and commitments such as work and a family, that they are juggling. Providing them support and belief in themselves during their journey shows them the commitment we have as a university to their success. They see themselves succeed and their vision becomes a reality.

What have been some of the most effective ways you’ve found to support your students?

Many of the students misinterpret the amount of work to be done. I typically email or call the student to make certain they are not overdoing the assignment.

The other strategy is to make sure that the student starts their assignment early in the week so that any problems that arise can be resolved without delay. When students start homework on the day it is due, it is difficult to resolve issues or questions that arise.

What do you think would have added to your own learning experience when you were a university student?

I was very fortunate to have family support and guidance during my undergraduate and graduate educational pursuit. I learned early in my education that a growth mindset is critical in learning. Learning how to grow and discover through failure and experiences is invaluable to a student.

What roles have you taken on as an educator? What interests have you been able to pursue at your institution, and which would you like to pursue?

My roles as an educator are wide and broad, including instructor, mentor, facilitator, advisor, role model, learner, manager, communicator, technology integrator, researcher, counselor, and so many more. My favorite role is mentor as I enjoy guiding students and employees through their academic and professional development.

Has there been any advice you’ve given that you feel has been especially helpful? On the other side, is there any advice you’ve received throughout your career that has stayed with you?

The best advice I have given to a student is to believe in your ability to achieve your goals. I remind them that they have the potential to do anything that they set their mind to. I also tell them that the courses and assignments will come and go, and that they can do anything for a short period of time.

I have been given the same advice from many of my mentors. I was encouraged to believe in myself and the abilities that I have. I was told learning is a process of success and failure. When something doesn’t work out, it doesn’t mean you can’t move forward.

What has been one of the best ways you’ve found to connect with students, both in-person and distance learners?

The best way to connect with students is to have a conversation with them about things they care about. Asking them about their pets, their hobbies, and things they do for fun creates connections and conversations. The students need to know that their instructors are caring humans. As soon as the student knows that I care, they embrace the work they need to do.

How do you feel using Distance Learning kits have enhanced your teaching and/or your students’ learning experience? Have any of your students given feedback on their experience with these kits?

The Distance Learning kits have allowed me to spend my time with students exploring the nuances of science. The quality of the kits and support from the CDL staff provide me the confidence that the online students will have what is needed when they need it to complete their lab work. This provides me the space to work with the student teaching the curriculum, identifying barriers to learning and supporting the student’s growth.