Dalia "Dr. S." Salloum
Diverse Faculty Fellow
School of Science Math & Engineering
Department: Biology
What she teaches:
College Biology (BIOL1610), Human Anatomy (BIOL2320), Human Physiology (BIOL2420)
Number of years teaching at SLCC:
beginning my second year
Undergraduate:
Rutgers-Newark
Doctorate:
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) & Rutgers- Newark (RU-N) Federated department of Biological Sciences
Why working at SLCC matters:
Working at SLCC gives us as faculty the opportunity to dedicate most of our efforts to teaching and pedagogy. We focus on preparing students from diverse backgrounds for their future careers as university students or workforce professionals. I truly feel that students who attend SLCC or any other community college are afforded an opportunity learn ‘how to college’. Our student body is why working at SLCC matters. We get to interact with students who may otherwise get lost in a large university setting. Working at SLCC has been the most inspiring place I’ve worked. So many of our faculty members have been such positive influences on me, and it is refreshing to see that we are all here for the same reason.
Greatest professional challenge:
My greatest challenge thus far has been accepting the fact that perfecting my pedagogy is a practice and not a goal. I worry about how effective my teaching practices are and how students will respond to my teaching style. So far, I have received positive feedback from students. I realize that after teaching a particular course for several years, there is a certain wisdom that comes with experience. I have yet to have this opportunity since beginning my teaching career! The longest I’ve taught any particular course has been two consecutive semesters, so I’m looking forward to settling in here at SLCC.
Greatest professional accomplishment:
Receiving emails from former students stating that they’ve accomplished their goals and have been accepted into nursing, dental and medical programs. Hearing from former students about something they learned in my class that really stuck with them.
Advice for students or others:
Do not let your grades define you! Do not let that one low score on an exam, assignment or project take over your personal narrative. It is easy to listen to that little voice inside you constantly doubting your abilities. Everyone fails. We tend to see failure as something negative when, in fact, it is part of the road to success. Enjoy the journey of learning and realize that everyone fails. Realize that you can achieve all your goals with perseverance and persistence.
Future plans:
Change the world of higher education and contribute to making it more equitable and effective!
Family:
I have an enormous family in New Jersey, Jordan and Palestine. They are loud and will overwhelm you with love. I live here in Salt Lake City with my partner, Johnny, and my dog, Dog.
Hobbies:
Being outside and getting dirty. I really enjoy jumping out of perfectly good planes, camping in the wilderness, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking and looking forward to learning how to snowboard this year.
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