Teaching

A comprehensive record of my teaching experience across universities in the UK, Ethiopia, and India, covering modules in AI, data science, programming, and databases.

Teaching Experience

Role Term/Year Module Code Module Title Institution Notes
Module Leader Spring 2026 CE888 Data Science and Decision Making University of Essex –
Module Leader Spring, Autumn 2022–24 CE880 An Approachable Introduction to Data Science University of Essex –
Module Leader Spring 2020–21 CE888 Data Science and Decision Making University of Essex With Dr Ana Matrán-Fernández
Instructor Spring 2019 CE888 Data Science and Decision Making University of Essex With Dr Samothrakis & Dr Matrán-Fernández
Instructor Spring 2018 CE888 Data Science and Decision Making University of Essex With Dr Spyros Samothrakis
Invited Tutor Aug–Sept 2018 – Machine Learning and Data Science AIMS, South Africa –
Teaching Assistant Summer 2015 COM326 Object Oriented Programming University of Ulster With Dr Mia Siddique
Teaching Assistant Winter 2014 COM419 Object Oriented Modelling University of Ulster With Dr Yuhua Li
Teaching Assistant Summer 2013 COM162 Database Systems University of Ulster With Dr Ammar Belatreche
Instructor Winter 2012 CoSc-552 Expert Systems Dilla University, Ethiopia –
Instructor Summer 2011 CoSc-452 Artificial Intelligence Dilla University, Ethiopia –
Instructor Summer 2011 CoSc-352 Analysis of Algorithms Dilla University, Ethiopia –
Instructor Winter 2011 CS-801 Artificial Intelligence MRIU, India –
Instructor Summer 2010 IT-822 Data Warehousing and Data Mining MRIU, India –
Instructor Winter 2010 CS-502 Computer Graphics MRIU, India –
Instructor Summer 2009 CS-301 Discrete Structures MRIU, India –

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centres on the belief that education is a transformative, collaborative, and lifelong process. As an educator, I see myself not merely as a transmitter of knowledge but as a facilitator of critical thinking, curiosity, and personal growth. My goal is to create a learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, engage with ideas, and explore the practical implications of what they learn.

At the University of Essex, I have had the privilege of leading modules such as CE880 (An Approachable Introduction to Data Science) and CE888 (Data Science and Decision Making), both of which I have enhanced with current research topics, real-world applications, and industry-standard tools such as Google Colab. These innovations not only improved student engagement but were recognised with outstanding SAMT feedback scores.

I believe teaching and research are deeply interconnected. Leading the Lovelace group for five academic years, I introduced real-world machine learning competitions via Kaggle, placing Essex students in the global top 5%. This approach exposed students to the rigour and excitement of applied data science from the outset of their academic journey.

I place a strong emphasis on inclusive, active learning, using lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises to accommodate diverse learning styles. I also support students beyond the classroom through extensive supervision at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

Looking ahead, I am passionate about developing advanced modules in Explainable AI and Brain-Computer Interfaces, particularly for healthcare applications. These will combine ethical awareness, technical rigour, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare students for responsible leadership in AI.

Ultimately, my teaching philosophy is rooted in empowering students not just to succeed academically, but to become thoughtful innovators and contributors to society.