Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
School of Computer Science
Director of Software Engineering
University of Waterloo
Office: DC3113 / DC2523 (SE Office)
Email: vsakhnini AT uwaterloo DOT ca
Email: se-director AT uwaterloo DOT ca
I bring a lot of energy to my classes because if I'm not excited about my subject, why should my students be? As an educator, my goal is to help students become knowledgeable, independent thinkers. I strive to encourage and challenge them, foster critical thinking, and share the inspiration I've received from my own teachers. Most importantly, I aim to create an environment where students realize that learning concepts and acquiring skills can naturally stem from asking questions that interest them. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to educate and influence, and it comes with significant responsibility. I find teaching profoundly satisfying because contributing to students’ intellectual growth is deeply rewarding. The interaction and exchange of ideas with students is symbiotic; improving my communication of concepts helps refine my own understanding and mastery of the material. However, teaching also carries the responsibility of passing on ideas and fostering a love of inquiry, which are essential to a vibrant learning community. I thoroughly enjoy teaching. Good teaching requires a careful balance of sensitivity, humor, acceptance, and the willingness to demand the best from students while encouraging them and giving them space to experiment. My most effective tools as a teacher are my passion for the subjects I teach and my dedication to helping students. By understanding their perspectives and modeling my approach as an educator, learner, and researcher, I strive to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Degrees: