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Teaching Philosphy

As an educator, I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment where all students, regardless of their background, feel empowered to succeed. With over 400 hours of teaching experience in neuroanatomy, genetics, physiology, and grant writing, I have developed an adaptive teaching approach that responds to the diverse needs of learners. My teaching philosophy is rooted in active discovery learning, where students are encouraged to explore complex ideas, take academic risks, and deeply engage with the material.

I believe that education extends beyond the classroom, which is why I focus on mentoring students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally. This includes addressing the hidden curriculum in STEM—grant writing, career development, and fellowship applications—especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. My goal is to foster a learning environment where students can thrive, explore their passions, and feel prepared for their future careers.

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Teaching Topics

Throughout my career, I have delivered a wide range of lectures and workshops aimed at helping students and early-career professionals succeed in academia and research. Some of the key topics I have covered include organizational skills for better writing and research habits, GRFP writing and timeline, choosing a graduate school (PhD) and a lab of interest, personal statement workshops, funding types and biosketch creation, writing letters of recommendation and letters of support, and creating a training plan in the NIH style. 

These lectures and workshops are designed to provide practical strategies for research success, grant writing, and career development, with a focus on empowering participants to achieve their academic and professional goals.

The Value of Mentorship

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my academic and professional journey, and I believe it plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of diverse scientists. As a first-generation scholar, I know firsthand the transformative impact of having mentors who not only provide guidance but also create spaces where students from underrepresented backgrounds can thrive.

For me, mentorship is more than just academic support—it’s about empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of their careers, overcome barriers, and reach their full potential. I have been fortunate to mentor students across various educational levels, from high school to postdoctoral trainees, and I tailor my approach to meet each mentee’s unique needs. Through initiatives such as the Black in Neuro network, the Minority Association of Successful Scientists, and the Stanford Grant Writing Academy, I focus on providing practical tools, from grant writing and career development to navigating the hidden curriculum of academia.

In my mentoring, I strive to create inclusive and supportive environments where underrepresented students and scholars feel seen, heard, and valued. By fostering resilience, providing career guidance, and creating networks of support, my goal is to help my mentees not only succeed in their academic and professional pursuits but also become future leaders in their fields.

PhD Starter Pack

Items include: How to analyze a manuscript; DEI papers on black tokenisms, social support, mental health support, and networking; training plan figure examples; 2019 GRFP example; time management cheat sheet; training contract template; grant summarization template; other figures for training and professional development.  

Testimonials

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"Dr. Hayes mentored me while I applied to the NSF GRFP and went above and beyond to help me with my ultimately successful application. Dr. Hayes worked diligently with me for weeks, editing my drafts and providing input, and taught me lessons I still apply today. Dr. Hayes remains a invaluable mentor and a constant inspiration for me as I continue in my graduate studies and mentor others as he mentored me."
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​Emily Rasmussen, PHD Student

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