Meet Dr. Tazin Daniels.
I am Bangladeshi-American educational developer, consultant and coach. I have lived all across the country from New York to California, and am currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I hold a Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology from Michigan State University where my dissertation work, funded by The Wenner Gren Foundation, explored at the use of Adderall as a performance enhancer among college students. As a result, I am intimately familiar with the pressures of academic life and have made it my mission to improve how we teach and learn in higher education. In my current role as an Associate Director at the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching at the University of Michigan, I provide professional development for instructors across STEM, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and the Humanities. I am also a “Equitable Digital Learning Expert” with the Every Learner Everywhere Network. To learn more about my background, you can read my brief CV here.
The Many Sides of Taz.
I learned a long time ago that what makes me such an effective educational developer is that I see all aspects of my life — “personal” and “professional” — as being connected to teaching and learning. Removing these artificial boundaries has allowed me to apply strategies and ideas across the spheres of academia, athletics, and the performing arts. Moreover, it has encouraged me to create more meaningful connections with people across my life. As a result, one of my fundamental goals is to also help my clients bring their whole, uncensored selves into all of their work. Instead of work-life balance, I help my clients achieve a holistic integration of all the best parts of themselves. Here are some aspects of my identity that deeply inform all of my work.
Anthropologist.
My anthropological training has helped me see the importance of asking questions and looking at the bigger picture before jumping right to problem solving. It has also given me a foundational understanding of the pressures and challenges instructors and students are facing as the landscape of higher education continues to shift. Here is a photo of me defending my dissertation titled “The Moral Life of Adderall: Health, Empowerment and Responsibility in an Era of Pharmaceuticalization.”
Athlete.
Team sports have always been a big part of my life, even more so as an adult. I was on the UC Irvine Rowing team all through college as a coxswain and in graduate school I picked up soccer as a hobby turned obsession. For me, playing sports is the ultimate exercise in leadership, collaboration and problem solving. Here is a photo of me and my team winning the 2016 University of Michigan Intramural Soccer Championships.
Coach.
Even more than playing team sports, I have always had a passion to help others meet their athletic goals. In addition to private coaching, I was a coach with the Michigan State University Club Crew and served as the head coach for the Lansing Rowing Club’s “Learn to Row” program. Athletic coaching has given me a unique perspective on adult learning and how to cultivate an environment where athletes of all skill levels can support each other in reaching their personal goals. Here is a photo of me and my rowers on graduation day.
Performer.
Whether giving a lecture or singing for a live audience, I have always loved to be on stage. I come from an incredibly talent musical family and have a deep love for the performing arts. Being a musician has greatly informed my facilitation style and helped me learned how to connect with my learners through shared passion and honesty. Here is a picture of me singing with my 90’s Rock Cover Band “Flannel Destination” at our annual St. Patrick’s Day concert in Ann Arbor.