An Ode to Teaching

My personal commitment to share science in a time of doubt

In a time when trust in science and public health feels increasingly fragile, I find myself returning to the classroom and the community with even greater purpose. The climate of skepticism is heartbreaking—but it also fuels my drive. As an immunologist and educator, I believe that teaching is not just a profession; it is a calling, a responsibility, and an act of hope.

Credit for photo to Seema Miah https://unsplash.com

The Joy of Teaching

There is a unique joy in watching a student’s eyes light up when they finally grasp the elegant complexity of the immune system. Whether I’m teaching medical students, physician assistant (PA) students, dental students, or graduate students, I am constantly reminded of the privilege it is to help shape the minds of future scientists and healthcare professionals. These students will go on to make exciting discoveries, critical decisions, care for patients, and communicate science themselves—and I get to be part of that journey.

Teaching is never just about delivering content. It’s about connection. It’s about cultivating curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and empowering students to ask questions that matter. Every lecture, every discussion, every moment of shared discovery reinforces why I chose this path.

Beyond the Classroom: Science for the Public

My passion for teaching doesn’t stop at the university gates. I take my role as a science communicator seriously, and I actively seek opportunities to engage with the public—through community outreach in the form of seminars, panel sessions, podcast interviews, talk radio shows, museum, library and bookstore events. These moments out in the community are some of the most rewarding. They remind me that science belongs to everyone. Understanding the immune system, in particular, and scientific principles in general, isn’t just for specialists—it’s for parents, teachers, friends, family, neighbors, voters on the left, right and in the middle—everyone!

I strive to make immunology and the science behind it accessible, relatable, and relevant. I break down complex concepts without diluting the science. I craft and deliver engaging and relatable analogies. I answer questions with empathy and honesty.

Teaching as Resistance

In this era of misinformation, teaching has become a form of resistance. It is a way to push back against fear, confusion, and distrust. Every time I explain how antibodies work, or how vaccines train the immune system, I am planting seeds of understanding. I am building bridges between science and society.

It’s not always easy. There are moments of frustration, moments when the noise feels overwhelming. But I stay grounded in the belief that education is transformative. That truth, when shared with compassion and clarity, can change minds and save lives.

A Call to Fellow Educators and Communicators

To my fellow educators, scientists, and communicators: your voice matters. Your work matters. Now more than ever, we must step forward—not just into classrooms, but into communities. We must meet people where they are, listen deeply, and speak with both conviction and care.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a host of dedicated public health experts, scientists and physicians every day who help me use my voice and share my scientific expertise and passion for teaching with the community. A shout out to the amazing Dr. Jess Steier of Unbiased Science (thank you for answering my email–out of the blue–back in January) and the rest of the Unbiased Science team. Your dedication and drive to continue to do this work during these turbulent times are what keep me going—sharing science is how we heal, connect, and move forward together.

Science is not just a body of knowledge—it is a way of thinking, a way of understanding the world. And teaching is how we pass that torch.

A Commitment to Keep Sharing

I will continue to teach. I will continue to write and speak. I will continue to share the beauty and power of science (and my first true love – immunology) with anyone willing to listen. Because I trust in science. I believe in education. And I believe that together, we can rebuild trust—one conversation, one classroom, one community at a time.