Community Members

Physicist. Scientific direction: Computational Physics. PhD. in Physics and Math sciences. Taught: Physics; Algorithmic Languages & Programming (C++); Astronomy, etc.  

As a firm believer in, and long-time user of, OER/ZTC materials in all of my PSY courses (100- Intro, 200- Social, 265- Research), I am looking forward to sharing and discussing pedagogical ideas to further develop my knowledge base. In terms of winter, I’m just looking forward to getting through it (I hate the cold)! Winter however is my time to do non-academic reading, so I’m trying to get through my running magazine subscriptions from 2021 (lol), and hopefully finish Bodega Dreams by January 25th. No movies personally, but in the evening if time allows, my family and I tend to watch a show together, and currently it’s Knives Out.

Hi! I joined BMCC’s Department of Ethnic and Race Studies in 2016. I began my OER journey with a workshop on using OER materials and creating Zero Cost Textbook courses, and it changed my approach to teaching. I am interested in incorporating different tactile modes of engagement into my classroom and want to develop a low-stakes lo-fi zine assignment which will be completed in class. I have a list of movies to watch but at present am really enjoying Abbot Elementary, class sitcom format and a great take on public education.

I have been teaching for long time now but my main philosophy is still best explained by a Heraclitus quote —  “Character is destiny.” I believe that beyond creating the safe teaching environment and relevant teaching materials, deep engagement with the student is key to learning and shaping students’ character and outlook on life.  Constantly on the lookout for engaging materials, I am particularly interested in visual and textual literacy, OER, history, music and the arts.

Hey everyone, I am Bill and I am interested in expanding my ability to run classes without relying on the students purchasing textbooks. I already do this to some extent, but I think I could achieve it in a more thoughtful manner. I most recently finished reading the excellent sci-fi novel “The Player of Games” by Ian Banks. I am also reading “The Art of Bacchylides” by Anne Burnett, an amazing book on Ancient Greek lyric poetry.

I am interested in finding OER materials to enhance the curriculum.  I am looking forward to getting ice skates for my wife.  I am currently Inequalities in the Early Years reading by Johnson and Pratt-Johnson.

I already use free, open-source material to teach. But I’d like to learn more from those who’ve been doing it longer than I have. I’ve been reading The Peripheral by William Gibson, a sci-fi writer and seeing Endeavour (based on Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse series), besides a variety of textbooks for the new course I’m to teach. I’ve been using the break to live a little healthier – and spend some time flying. Other than that, have just been prepping for the next semester.  

Hi everyone! I have a multidisciplinary background, including an MFA in visual arts and an MA in American Studies, and my practice spans between research, writing, and creative production. I have been teaching American Government at BMCC since 2017, as well as have taught at Lehman College and Bronx Community College. Currently a PhD Candidate in the Earth and Environmental Sciences program at the Graduate Center, CUNY, my work focuses on the intersections of human geography, political ecology, queer theory, social and cultural studies, and urban histories.  

Hi all! I’m Cecilia, I’m finishing my PhD in anthro at the Grad Center. I teach at CCNY, and this is my 3rd semester at BMCC. I’m mostly interested in learning better strategies to teach writing in a way that is welcoming to students.

Hello all! My name is Joshua Belknap, and I am the ESL Lab Coordinator at BMCC, and I am also an English Adjunct Lecturer at City Tech. I am interested in OER for several reasons. With the help of the wonderful OpenLab folks at BMCC, I’ve been creating an OpenLab site for the ESL Lab, which will offer resources for multilingual students and Academic Literacy and Linguistics faculty. I also want to continue to use free texts in the courses I teach, so I’m always eager to learn more about what OER materials are available to ESL and writing instructors.

Hello, everyone. I’m a new Lecturer in Speech, Communications, and Theatre Arts. I’ve used zero or low-cost texts since I began teaching, and I’m interested in actively embracing and spreading more copyleft practices. I’m excited to discuss strategies for teaching SPE 100 with my dept. colleagues and to enter into a larger community of shared materials and methods. (After many years working in radio, I’m also in the midst of constructing a home recording studio which I hope to be able to leverage in remote and virtual classes).

Hello Everybody. I’m an Adjunct Assistant Professor in BMCC’s English Department, which I joined  in 2016, and I also taught in BCC’s English Department form 2009 to 2020. I teach freshman composition, so I meet many students who are entering college for the first time, either coming from high school, or working for a while. As you all know, my students are very diverse in terms of languages spoken, ethnicity, and countries of origin. I’ve become very aware of the practical challenges my students face, especially during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. Many don’t have WiFi service at home, and if they have computers, these are shared by several other family members, reducing their access at essential classes, such as virtual sessions. Before coming to higher ed, I worked in marketing communications and public relations in corporate and non-profit organizations in New York City and Jamaica, and with multilateral organizations in Jamaica (UNICEF, USAID). My research interests are mediated and mobile communication as used by Jamaican immigrants in New York City, and how they maintain their social networks and use their immigrant social and economic capital with their strong ties in Jamaica. The principles of Open Pedagogy are approaches that I understood instinctively after I began teaching at CUNY. However I never knew there was a theoretical foundation for Open Pedagogy, nor how to articulate these approaches in concrete and measurable ways. I’m looking forward to this seminar to enrich my skills set in both areas. Marian (her/she)

Hi. I joined BMCC and the Academic Literacy and Linguistics Department in 2016. I teach Literacy and Critical Thinking courses. I am always looking for ways to engage students, improve my classes, and learn new skills. I am sooooo glad I transitioned from Blackboard to the OpenLab, and from textbook-based courses to OER materials. Creating more open pedagogy assignments is always on my to-do list. I hope to continue the conversation about open access and open pedagogy during this seminar and beyond.

Hi Lori Kee- here! Associate Prof. in Speech Communications and Theatre  — I am interested in making learning more diverse and up to date and I think incorporating OER not my course(s) could be one new way! Also the fellowship is just great – I have missed it.  Just finished watching 1899. Stinks that Netflix cancelled it after just 1 season! I also enjoyed Fleishman is in Trouble. Loved Spirited (Ryan Gosling- come on!) & Matilda the Musical  — Emma Thompson for the win – also what a performance by Alisha Weir! This winter I am reading a lot plays to chose something to direct at BMCC in F 2023– have to decide by end of JAN!  Other than that I am looking forward to relaxing a bit in the middle of planning next semester, F 2023 and my creative year of acting and directing projects too!

Hello! My name is Francisco J. Aldape, and I’m an adjunct at BMCC teaching economics since 2020. Given the recent world events and turbulent changes in academia, I’ve been trying to learn and adapt new teaching methods to help increase student engagement in class, in addition to learning more about how to design assignments that promote equity/fairness and encourage more community building. I’ve been also considering to adopt a new economics textbook for my class, which was one of the main reasons I was interested to participate in this seminar. After a fantastic first session, I’m very much looking forward to our conversations in the next weeks and be able to know more about all the OER resources available!

I am an Adjunct Professor in the Speech, Communication, and Theatre Arts Department.  I have taught in Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, and New York.  This is my twentieth year at BMCC.  In addition to teaching Speech and Theatre, I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS.)  I  run a theatre group called Black Orchid Theatre Group based at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, where we present three to four shows a year.

Hi everyone;  I’m glad to be part of this seminar. I’ve used Open Lab but haven’t opened up my course to the entire world and want to figure out how to make more meaningful assignments.  I’m spending too much time on peak TV these days (Reservation Dogs was my favorite) and enjoy being a homebody.  We have three animals who I like to hang out with and I enjoy cooking and plan on reading “Homegoing” over break.  Who was going to do a book club on this??  I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and learning with you.  Thanks Jean and Gina!

I’m interested in this faculty learning community because I want to more effectively implement the ideals of open pedagogy in my classes. I hope to have assignments that might be invigorated by the possibilities of publishing and archiving open educational resources. I hope to incorporate tools for helping to make students’ learning visible. I’m looking forward to teaching a new course that is a more involved version of my general course and getting ready for a short trip to Taiwan at the end of the month. I recently watched the movie “Faces Places” by Agnes Varda and it was a very cute, sweet meditation on public art.

Hello. I am an adjunct instructor in the Department of Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts. Since January 2020, I’ve been able to connect with many professors via Zoom who I would previously not have encountered. Consequentially, I’ve learned much from my colleagues and I want to continue to learn about their pedagogical ideas. Additionally, I am interested in incorporating drawing as part of the learning/thinking process. (Evidence shows drawing helps process information visually, kinesthetically, and semantically.) I think this would be helpful for my students when they are constructing a speech (for public speaking.) A speech outline format is a different from an essay format and speeches often utilize visual aids, etc. My favorite movie from 2022 was “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” And I love the streaming comedies, “What We Do in the Shadows” and “PEN 15.”

Hello everyone, I am an adjunct Lecturer and CLT in the Math Department. I am also a mother of  2 years and 6 year old. I want to learn more about the idea of open pedagogy. I like to learn and improve my teaching to my students and kids. I often ask myself what type of education do I want my kids to get , and that is what I am striving for.  I have already learned different techniques and opinions from the group this Tuesday,  love the activities and break out room , so we gets to slow down , think and discuss about what we have been doing.  Recently, I want to read the book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”， anyone read this book before? 

Always trying to improve my teaching style, passionate about our students and how to make things easier/cheaper/more engaging for them and a little bit frustrated by the ghost-campus experience as a new faculty, this faculty learning community scores all of the above! I teach Sociology and reality is always giving new material, that’s for sure. Still in shock by “The City of the Living”, by Nicola Lagiola, after reading it during the holidays, and still delighted by the movie “EO”, by Jerzy Skolimowski. Yeah, that one about the donkey.  Sounds a little bit intense, but I also enjoyed  “White Lotus” after a student recommended it to me.

Hello. After thirty-four years of teaching Intro to Psychology in the traditional lecture/discussion group/Blackboard/textbook format, I’d like to learn what other avenues of instruction are available. Such avenues may be more amenable to today’s students. I’d like to break free of reliance on textbooks, which I find massively expensive, wasteful (in the sense we can never cover the entire book in a fourteen-week course), and excessively cluttered and dense. Intro to Psychology textbooks are now running six hundred pages in length, not counting unnumbered appendices. I think we will soon see a thousand-page intro textbook, which is absurd.

What drew me to the seminar was its focus on class projects that aren’t one-off assignments, but rather through-lines for the entire semester. I’m always on the look-out for speaking and listening activities that students in my basic Spanish classes will really get into (do I need to say more about why improving speaking & listening skills are the #1 outcome for me?). The ZCT textbook I use, Libro libre, is CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, meaning I can have an entire textbook copied and bound in BMCC’s Repro, at no cost. Thanks to the OER team at BMCC for leading me to this resource! It gives me a lot of leeway to create my own activities and set my own direction as a teacher. Looking forward to sharing teaching practices and experiences with all of you, and to picking up a few new tools for my toolkit. Current book: The Years, Anne Ernaux, tr. Alison L. Strayer

Greetings, Everyone.  My name is Brian C.  Lorio.  I’m an lecturer with Speech, Communication, and Theater Arts.  I was truly introduced to OER after being hired this past summer.  It was brought to my attention immediately and I found it fascinating.  I felt that corporate textbooks which were often assigned at the various colleges I taught at (as an adjunct) were confining.  We, as instructors, were limited in what we taught and students had little agency in what they learned.  OER looks to be something that can allow me to teach to my strengths.  More importantly, it can be tool to allow students to have a larger role in their learning experience.

A primary interest of mine is learning and sharing in community. It has been one of the most important features contributing to my personal growth and our human evolution. I am looking forward to time ‘to be’ and not always having ‘to do’ especially as the ‘to do list’ seems to grow longer and longer each day. I crave being closer to nature. I’m also looking forward to meeting other faculty through this workshop and having the opportunity to discuss so many issues of concern and importance that hardly ever seem to be addressed in any meaningful way. I always look for spaces to expand our ongoing work exploring the intersections of nature and culture through the Musical Seeds Project, which has brought hundreds of people together over the years it has evolved (photo included).

Hello Everyone! It’s great to see so many of you here, I have worked with many of you though various workshops and projects and I am excited to again collaborate. I am in the Speech, Communications, and Theatre Arts Department here at BMCC. I am a huge supporter of OER because it expands access opportunities to marginalized communities and to people with limited resources. I’m looking forward to revitalizing my courses and learning from all of you. I just finished reading “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and really loved it.

Hi Everyone! My name is Melissa Eder. I am an Adjunct Instructor for the Department of Academic Literacy and Linguistics. I am also a visual artist. I teach critical thinking, ESL and reading. I am very interested in doing a deeper dive into learning about/ finding more OER materials for my classes. Personally, I believe in sharing, exchanging and creating free accessible information. This process (for instructor and students) builds the foundation for a democratic classroom (society). 🙂

Hi, I’m Eldar, and I am an Associate Prof. at BMCC’s Academic Literacy and Linguistics department. I am a philosopher, and I teach critical thinking courses. The main reason I’m interested in the OER is that I designed a new course focusing on data literacy and (slightly advanced) inductive reasoning skills, and there is no appropriate textbook for it, so I decided to collect OER resources and/or write my own lessons for the students. I’m looking forward to learn more in this seminar!

Hi all, my name is Ali. I am excited to work developing one of a number of assignments. Looking forward to working with a number of people at BMCC again and to meeting new people.

Hi my name is Remi Alapo. I have been an adjunct at BMCC for the past 6 years. I teach African History from 1500 – the present [AFN 122], History of African Civilizations [AFN 121], Afro – American History from 1865 – present [AFN 124], and Black Women in the Diaspora [AFN 128] at the Ethnic and Race Studies Dept at BMCC [previously I was with the Social Sciences dept and taught courses in sociology and political science]. I previously created some OER resources while I was teaching in Social Sciences out of concern for the pockets of my students and for low-income students who struggle to make it to class every day leaving challenges outside of the University doorstep to not worry about picking up those challenges on their way out. This winter, a colleague of mine [in Mexico] and myself are working on a paper on the impact of the Covid – 19 pandemic on low-income female students so I have not had the time to watch or read anything fun besides trying to finish the paper.  Looking forward to learning from and working with my colleagues in this OER Winter 2023 seminar. Hi my name is Remi Alapo. I have been an Adjunct Faculty at BMCC for the past 6 years. . This winter, a colleague of mine [in Mexico] and myself are working on a paper on the impact of the Covid – 19 pandemic on low-income female students so I have not had the time to watch or read anything fun besides trying to finish the paper.  Looking forward to learning from and working with my colleagues in this Winter 2023 seminar.

Bah!  I was sure I’d be first here! Hi Everyone!  I think I share a department or have been in meetings with just about everyone here before, but I’m Chris!  I teach in the Speech, Communication, and Theatre Arts department and am here to redesign my Theatre 100 course.  I’ve been slowly changing it to be ZTC for several years now but that has largely left it partially outdated, partially broken (as far as blackboard links are concerned), and completely disorganized.  I’ve been wanting to do this but have always had a seminar or something which stole the time away from finding the materials for this project. Aside from the professional stuff here, I’m a pretty boring person.  I actually just finished a great book called Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (author of The Martian) all about how people might save Earth from a an interstellar, biological threat.  It was fun…in that death of a whole planet with tons of heavy metaphor to global warming.  Check it out!  🙂

Hi, I’m an adjunct at the department of race and ethnic studies. I enjoy learning from all faculty cohorts because I believe it is a form of self-care, knowing that I’m not the only one with the feelings I have as a teaching staff member in BMCC/CUNY. I look forward to learning (and borrowing) the great ideas and practices from the group. I recently watched “The Whale” (2022) in a movie theater. I had not been moved by a movie the way I was for a very long time. I’m rather emotive and can be easily moved, but even so, The Whale did something to me that words couldn’t describe. Wish more people would go see it, in the movie theater.

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice. I am in the Criminal Justice Program. This year I am also an Open Knowledge Fellow along with Ewa Barnes, Alvin Eng, Francisco D. Delgado, and Benjamin Haas. I am currently reading this book: Hitler’s American Friends after listening to Ultra Podcast. For fiction, I am listening to the audiobook The City and the City by China Miéville. This winter I am looking to get a bit grounded and focused both on writing and learning how I can improve my OpenLab courses for Spring 2023.

Hello! I’m an adjunct librarian who works with OER in various ways at BMCC as well as the Office of Library Services. This month I’m reading a ton for two book prizes, always a fun activity, because I get to read so many good books!

Hi there! As you all know, I’m the open knowledge librarian here at BMCC, and this I believe . . . Knowledge is a public good and a human right. We need to continually develop and defend the knowledge commons so that every human being has access to humanity’s accumulated knowledge. I strive to create spaces that celebrate, spark, and engage the potential of every human being to create knowledge. So many of our students have been taught to be knowledge consumers; at BMCC, they can learn to claim space and raise their voices up as knowledge creators. My book pile is large and teetering; two at the top are On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Danya Ruttenberg and Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey. So happy to be in community with everyone here and look forward to learning with you!