Education:
- Bachelor of Technology (Biomedical Engineering) - India
- Master of Sciences (Biomedical Engineering) - USA
- Diploma in Learning and Technology - Canada
Current Occupation:
Instructional Designer, Smith Engineering, Queen's University
Advice for New Students:
Don't think of this program as just another degree. Think of it as an opportunity to grow as a reflective educator and lifelong learner. Try to connect what you're learning to your own professional context, engage with your classmates' diverse perspectives, and don't be afraid to share your experiences. The discussions often become some of the richest learning opportunities. Most importantly, stay organized, work consistently each week, and remember that progress is made one assignment at a time.
Why did you choose this program?
As an Instructional Designer working in engineering education, I wanted to deepen my understanding of teaching, learning, assessment, and educational leadership through a scholarly lens. The Professional Master's in Education allows me to immediately apply what I learn to my work, whether I'm supporting faculty, designing learning experiences, or developing teaching professional development initiatives.
What was one moment of the program so far that stands out to you?
One of the most memorable aspects has been realizing how immediately applicable the coursework is to my professional practice. There have been several moments where concepts from a course directly influenced projects I was leading at work, from redesigning assessments to developing teaching assistant training and faculty development workshops. Seeing theory translate into meaningful improvements in practice has been incredibly rewarding.
How do you fit this program into your life? How do you structure your days to fit it in?
Balancing graduate studies with a full-time career requires planning and consistency. I dedicate time during evenings and weekends for readings, discussions, and assignments, while also looking for opportunities to connect course concepts with projects I'm already working on professionally. Rather than treating work and school as separate, I try to let each inform the other, which makes the learning more meaningful and manageable. I've also learned that staying ahead of deadlines and working each week steadily is much less stressful than trying to complete everything at the last minute.