Michael Sindoni
Dean ’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Ph.D. Candidate, Neurobiology
Bio
Michael Sindoni is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Neurobiology. He earned a B.S. in Biology from Canisius University in 2020.
Sindoni’s research in the Grandl lab as a Pre-Doctoral Fellow comprises investigating the biophysical properties of force-gated ion channels. His record as a teacher extends back nearly 10 years and encompasses many roles. In that time, he has taught at his undergraduate institution, as well as at Duke, Meredith College, and Durham Technical Community College, serving in roles of teaching assistant, guest lecturer, and instructor of record. Sindoni is in the process of completing the Certificate in College Teaching.
His commitment to serving his community and beyond are exemplified through his participation as a volunteer, member of student government, and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students alike.
On Teaching
What accomplishment are you most proud of, when reflecting on your teaching?
Broadly speaking, one aspect of teaching that gives me a sense of accomplishment is when students are able to conduct their own experiments from start to finish. I personally feel the ability to formulate hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and draw conclusions are foundational skills that extend well beyond scientific research and into all aspects of life. I feel the true purpose of education is for the development of skills, rather than the memorization of facts, and therefore feel an immense sense of pride when students are able to conduct real scientific research.
How have you evolved as a teacher over time?
The most significant difference would be in my ability to adapt. The fact that no two classes will ever be the same is something I have learned to embrace and have come to thoroughly enjoy! When I first started teaching, I would become flustered when things did not go as I imagined them. Whether it was activities not going as planned, labs failing, or technology not cooperating, I would feel quite rattled by the end of class. Now I see this as part of the enjoyment of teaching, making each class unique and providing me opportunities to continue to develop as a teacher.
What resources or strategies have you found to be helpful in your development as a teacher?
Mentorship. I truly do not believe I would be the teacher I am today without the careful and thoughtful mentorship I have received. Saying the guidance and advice my mentors have provided me has been invaluable would be an understatement. I feel incredibly lucky to have had outstanding mentors that I truly owe my development as a teacher to.
In Their Words
Excerpts from Sindoni’s nomination
“Michael is first and foremost a scientist with a passion for his discipline. This was evident when he lectured about his topic to my students in my molecular biology course about his research during his time as a Preparing Future Faculty fellow. His humorous and engaging manner allowed students to feel at ease with challenging material, and allowed them to engage with questions about his work. Moreover, he was genuinely interested in discussing best practices that he could incorporate in teaching in the future.”
“Even while tackling [an] ambitious research project, Michael has found time to engage in multiple different teaching opportunities, both within Duke and at external sites such as Meredith College and Durham Tech. Indeed, the extent of Michael’s teaching accomplishments stand out for being among the most impressive of any graduate student I have known during my 13 years at Duke.”
“Michael received raving feedback from Duke students for his teaching activities: specifically, students told me they enjoyed the clarity of his communication style, and how much enthusiasm for science he can convey. For example, when Michael co-taught together with me two sessions in the course NEUROBIO 719 ‘Concepts of Neurobiology I,’ he received near-perfect student ratings.”