Teaching

I find great fulfillment in helping others learn and grow. My decision to pursue this profession was deeply influenced by the transformative experience of student-centered teaching during my undergraduate years at the College of William and Mary. This experience shapes my teaching philosophy, driving me to approach teaching and mentoring with the same vigor and dedication that contributed to my own academic success. My philosophy as an educator is built around three primary goals. First, I prioritize facilitating experiential learning opportunities that actively engage students in the learning process. I design courses and activities that encourage students to apply concepts in practical, hands-on ways, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of the material. Second, I place a strong emphasis on developing robust writing skills, as effective communication is crucial for success in any field. Through focused instruction and personalized feedback, I aim to help students hone their writing abilities, enabling them to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. Finally, I emphasize the importance of embracing complexity, challenging students to consider multiple perspectives and grapple with the nuances and intricacies of the subject matter, which is particularly important in the field of political science. This approach cultivates critical thinking and intellectual humility, equipping students with the ability to navigate complex political issues. 

I am honored to have recently received the Richard R. Pouliot Teaching Award from the political science department at the University of North Carolina, recognizing my efforts in teaching.

Teaching Experience

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Student Response

 My evaluations have been consistently positive. Here is a selection of quotes from students that I am particularly proud of.  My complete teaching evaluations are available upon request. 


This class, which many may assume is boring, was genuinely so fun and interesting. I looked forward to Mondays and Wednesdays because I loved learning about the bureaucracy. I never thought that would have been the case. It almost all owed to Alex and how enthusiastic he is as a professor. He truly loves what he is teaching and enjoys helping students learn.


Alex did an excellent job of encouraging students to voice their perspectives and unique interpretations of course material, while fostering a space of respect and open–mindedness.


Alex was an incredible teacher who could break down complex topics into easily digestible pieces of information. I would comment on this as his biggest strength in addition with his ability to facilitate class discussion and emphasize important aspects of the lecture without clouding powerpoint with unnecessary information.


Professor Love brings true passion to class and to the material we are learning, and facilitates an environment of understanding and collaboration that really helped me learn a lot.