Hi, I'm Ming!

I’m a tenure-track Assistant Teaching Professor at UC San Diego, in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. As a teaching-focused faculty member, my primary role (and passion) is teaching and designing undergraduate courses. I also research how students develop mechanistic reasoning and visual literacy, and I develop curricular materials to equip biologists with programming and quantitative skills. I love being in the classroom, and I care deeply about building a culture of joy and inclusion in my classes.

Download my CV

What am I teaching next year?

Fall 2026

  • BIPN 100 Human Physiology I
  • BIPN 103 Human Anatomy w/ Lab

Winter 2027

  • BIPN 103 Human Anatomy w/ Lab

Spring 2027

  • BILD 005 Data Analysis & Design for Biologists
  • BGGN 277 Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology w/ Lab

Launching in Summer 2027: Physiology in Sydney

Want to spend five weeks studying biology in Australia? In Summer 2027, I'll be leading a Global Seminar that explores the physiology of breathing, digestion, and metabolism — complete with local field trips and immersive experiences. The program includes two courses:

  • BIPN 102 Human Physiology II
  • BIPN 104 Physiological Inquiry, a new course centered on clinical case studies and reading primary research papers

To be eligible, you must have completed BIPN 100 (Human Physiology I) and not have already taken BIPN 102 (Human Physiology II). More details coming soon!




News

Jun 2026
I received the Outstanding Faculty Award from both Eleanor Rooosevelt College and Marshall College. I feel incredibly grateful to have been nominated by this year's graduating seniors!
Apr 2026
Our paper on biology students’ chemical reasoning about ATP was published in the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education.
Jan 2026
Heidi, my undergraduate research mentee, presented a short talk at SABER West examining how the visuals used in biology courses may shape students’ reasoning in chemistry.
Sep 2025
I gave a talk at UCSD Biology's Innovations in Teaching Symposium about my education research projects.
Aug 2025
This quarter, Carlos Rojo and I are launching BIPN 103 (Human Anatomy). We're so excited to offer an undergraduate anatomy course for the first time at UCSD!
May 2025
Heidi, my first undergraduate research mentee at UCSD, presented her research at the Summer Research Conference (SRC)! Heidi's project explored how students reconcile their conflicting disciplinary ideas about chemical bonding.
May 2025
Our paper about visual representations of bonding and energy is published in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education (BAMBED).
Jan 2025
I gave a talk at SABER West on how visual representations of ATP shape students' chemical reasoning.
Jan 2025
It's my first quarter teaching at UCSD! This quarter, I'm teaching BIPN 100 (Human Physiology I).
Nov 2024
I started my faculty position as an Assistant Teaching Professor at UC San Diego.
May 2024
I defended my PhD thesis and graduated from MIT!