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Stephen Kerr

PhD candidate in computational materials science at Queen's University. Studying defect mechanisms in alloys using DFT and molecular dynamics.

Teaching

I teach and support early-year labs and tutorials with a focus on clarity, reproducible computation, and constructive feedback. Students move from analytical solutions to small Python scripts that test assumptions, residuals, and numerical error. I value accessibility, readable figures, and practical problem-solving.

Teaching Philosophy

My approach emphasizes:

Teaching Interests

Teaching Experience

Queen’s University (2024–present)

MECH 479 Nanomaterials (Instructor + TA, 2024/2025, 20–40 students) Interactive lectures on materials simulation, molecular dynamics, and computational nanoscience. Designed cross-platform tutorials emphasizing reproducible workflows, version control, and verification of numerical results.

MECH 272 Materials (Lab TA, Winter 2025) Undergraduate materials laboratory supporting hands-on characterization and testing methods.

CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (Lab TA, Winter 2025) Laboratory instruction for first-year engineering and science students.

Ontario Tech University (2021–2024)

Winter 2023 (Full TA load: ~1,600 reports and quizzes marked in one term)

Additional terms included coordination of multiple CHEM 1010U and 1020U lab sections, development of comment banks for efficient feedback, and mentoring of undergraduate peer tutors. Emphasized reproducible computation, academic integrity, and hands-on problem-solving across all courses.