This week’s Teacher Feature goes above and beyond for Coastline students. From real-world hands-on experience to encouraging students in asking ‘why’, learn how Dr. Do’s teaching practices doesn’t go in vein in helping future healthcare professionals.
Tell us about yourself.
Hello! I am a Biology and Allied Health Instructor at Coastline College. I earned my Doctor of Health Sciences from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences from Kirksville, Missouri, my Master of Science in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Medical Biology emphasis) degree from the University of California, Riverside. Additionally, I hold a Quality Matters (QM) Certificate in Best Practices for Online Instruction and a Occupational Skills Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from Saddleback College.
I have been teaching at Coastline since Spring 2017 semester. I feel a sense of privilege to teach such a diverse student population at this college. Additionally, courses that I teach at Coastline are:
- Human Anatomy
- General Biology lecture and lab
- Medical Terminology for Health Professionals.
In addition to teaching at Coastline College, I also serve as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Irvine Valley College and Westcliff University, a biology faculty member at Fullerton College and Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Saddleback College.
I am very proud to be able to contribute to my students’ successes. As a result, I was a nominee for the 2019 Professor of the Year award at two other colleges I teach at: Irvine Valley College and Fullerton College.
Interested in joining the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Coastline? Explore today: http://www.coastline.edu/art-departmentt
What do you love about teaching at Coastline?
Student engagement, their drive to learn, and dedication of faculty/staff are qualities that make Coastline a great culture for student growth and success. As a Coastline instructor, I am fortunate to have with the opportunity to help my students realize that biology and health can be acquired through logic and common sense. When a student says, “I get it,” I am rewarded with their inspiration, appreciation, and motivation that follows. Moreover, it is especially rewarding when my students succeed academically and communicate with others the new knowledge they now can call their own.
When a student says, “I get it,” I am rewarded with their inspiration, appreciation, and motivation that follows.
Dr. Do, Coastline College
It is a privilege to be a part of each student’s journey toward success. With a well-rounded scientific background, strong work ethic and team-building skills learned here, I have no doubt that my students’ experience at Coastline will help them grow into strong and influential future professionals. All of this is what makes teaching worthwhile.
What is unique about your class? What is your teaching approach to engage your class?
I teach Human Anatomy, General Biology, and Medical Terminology for Health Professionals. My aim as instructor is to be a facilitator in student learning. As a result, students have the opportunity to not just learn the fundamental concepts, but also to see applications of these concepts in real-world health issues. Equally important, students have the space to share their related experiences, contribute their own research and findings with their colleagues.
Sunny days are around the corner, but so are summer classes. Search our summer class schedule and enroll in your next Biology course today!
Tell us something students may not know about you?
My second passion is music through singing and piano. I am a classically-trained tenor vocalist and have sung in various master and community chorales. I am also a member of a youth co-ed Vietnamese vocal band, Sóng Xanh.
In Fall 2018, I sang the musical theater piece, Anthem from Chess, as a soloist with Symphony Irvine in a venue that hosted over 800 people for Santiago Canyon College’s Performing Arts Department. Moreover, I have sung classical and theater pieces for private and public recitals hosted by local colleges.
My recent projects include:
- Singing “For Good” from Wicked for SBTN studios (Saigon Broadcasting Television Network)
- Vietnamese song “Nhớ Một Chiều Xuân” [Remember One Spring Afternoon] as soloist for VNA-TV studios (Vietnam America Television)
- Songs as a member of the youth Vietnamese vocal band, Sóng Xanh for the Chuyện Những Dòng Sông [Stories of the Rivers] 2018 Charity Concert hosted by the band’s parent chorus: the Ngàn Khơi Vietnamese Chorus.
In addition to learning and singing Vietnamese music, my vocal repertoire also includes classics, such as Amazing Grace, Lonely House by Kurt Weill, Ave Maria, Star-Spangled Banner, Caro Mio Ben, and Il Mio Tesoro.
Also, I assist as a volunteer piano accompanist for Santiago Canyon College voice program. Future projects as a pianist include performing Beethoven’s Pathetique 1st Movement for the Spring 2019 SCC Piano Recital.
In my spare time, I enjoy working out at the gym and spending time with my family and friends. I have three pet dogs: chihuahua, chihuahua-terrier, and shih tzu.
Three tips for Coastline students
- Find excellent mentors who can make a positive impact on your learning and can facilitate your professional/academic growth.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When mistakes happen, learn from them. If you didn’t do well on an assignment/exam, have the courage to review what was done wrong. Be proactive in finding solutions and committing yourself to being a better you. Often times, reviewing mistakes is just as valuable (or even more valuable) in learning the material as studying notes.
- You are your own best advocate for your success! Don’t let others define your capabilities (well… unless they say that your capabilities are limitless, then maybe take this one!). Surround yourself with family and friends who cheer for your success. Work hard and give back!
About the Teacher Feature series.
Coastline College proudly highlights its renowned faculty through the Teacher Feature blog series. This week’s feature showcases Professor Shoro, Visual and Performing Arts Department. Stay connected with Professor Shoro through her website: www.natashashoro.com
Enjoy learning about Coastline’s greatest? Check out the previously highlighted #TeacherFeatures. Your future instructor may be amongst the featured!