Dong – CoE Outstanding TA

Excerpt from COE News article "CoE Announces Outstanding Teaching Assistants of 2020-21"

A fifth-year student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering’s BS/MS program, Boning Dong served as the TA for the computer engineering capstone courses this year. He said he focused on making sure his students had a good “user experience” in the capstone courses. In addition to his willingness to schedule extra virtual meetings with students, Dong also tried to help students grasp a deeper understanding of the material.

“I think this is really important for project-based classes, like capstone,” explained Dong, who received his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering last June. “So, if I can help them connect the knowledge that they learned in the past four years by explaining why, rather than just solving their issue or answering their questions, this project-building experience will be a way to practice their previous knowledge instead of simply performing a task they’re rushing to finish.”

After completing his master’s degree this June, Dong, who was born and raised in Beijing, China, will work for Apple as an embedded software engineer. He said that his experience as a TA has improved his communication skills and taught him the importance of being a strong communicator.

“I am extremely honored and grateful to be recognized by my students. It gives me more confidence to pursue potential future educational opportunities,” said Dong, who offered some parting advice to the Class of 2021. “Always step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and work hard to push the limits.”

In addition to earning his bachelor’s degree last year, Dong also received the college’s Hynes-Wood Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to student activities. He also received the University Award of Distinction for contributing greatly to the quality of life of other UCSB students.

COE News – "CoE Announces Outstanding Teaching Assistants of 2020-21" (full article)