I love creating a space where everyone can learn from each other. As a teacher, I aim to foster a rich and dynamic learning environment where everyone can share their knowledge, challenge each other to think critically, and imagine alternative futures. I teach courses in urban planning, community development, and humanitarian action.
In my Community, Advocacy, Organizing, and Development course students learn about how public policy, community development, and social innovation shape cities like San Diego, California. I took the class on a local field trip to visualize the lasting impacts of policies and practices in Coronado and Barrio Logan. This photo was taken at Libélula Books & Co. in Barrio Logan in 2022.
In 2023, in the same course, the students produced an unexpected book called, “Community Love” edited by myself and Angelica Sanabria. It is a compilation of poems composed around the themes of the course. Students were also given an opportunity to share the places they love in San Diego as a reminder that everyone deserves places where they feel like they belong.
In the Fall of 2022, students in my Displacement, Migration and Humanitarian Action class heard from local humanitarians on how they prepare and respond to crisis. Students toured the the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties regional facility and gained hands on experience in the Emergency Operations Center where compassionate action saves lives.
Instructor
“Displacement, Migration, and Humanitarian Action,” School of Peace Studies, University of San Diego, Fall 2023.
“Resettlement Infrastructure,” Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Summer 2022.
“Community Advocacy, Organization, and Development,” School of Peace Studies, University of San Diego, Spring 2022.
“Race and Place,” School of Peace Studies, University of San Diego, Spring 2022.
“Resettlement and Camp Infrastructure,” Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle. Summer 2021.
“Using Storytelling to Assess Long-term Wildland Fire Risks,” Association of State Floodplain Management No Adverse Impact, Continuing Education. February 8, 2018.
“Community Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Theater Workshop,” Department of Education of the Philippines, Peace Corps, and Capiz State University. Pontevedra, PI. June 2016.
FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) 20-hour basic training, City of Costa Mesa Fire Department.
Teaching Assistant
“URBDP 200 Introduction to Urbanization: Planning and Designing Alternative Urban Futures,” Instructor Mark Purcell. University of Washington, Seattle. Spring 2020.
“URBDP 506 Urban Planning Studio Prep,” Instructor Branden Born. University of Washington, Seattle. Winter 2020.
“URBDP 500 Survey of Urban Planning,” Instructor Christine Bae. University of Washington, Seattle. Fall 2019.
“URBDP 508B Community Engagement for Coastal Resilience Studio,” Instructor Dan Abramson. University of Washington, Seattle. Fall 2018.
“URBDP 405/505 The Urban Form,” Instructor Manish Chelana. University of Washington, Seattle. Fall 2017.
Course Developer
“Resettlement and Camp Infrastructure,” Developed with Manish Chalana for the Master’s in Infrastructure Planning and Management program, University of Washington, Seattle. 2020.
Designed planning, training, and exercise courses for health care, first responders, and emergency management professionals. Willdan, Anaheim, CA. 2010-2016.
Lan Thị Nguyễn 