WVU Institute of Technology
Beckley, WV
Aida Jiménez Esquilín is an Associate Professor of Biology at WVU Institute of Technology. She is an applied microbial ecologist specializing in soil, plant-associated, and wastewater microbiomes for antibiotic discovery and AMR Surveillance. In addition to environmental microbiology work, she also conducts research in STEM education, focusing on STEM identity development, retention, and student success in rural primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). This work aims to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that foster persistence in STEM fields
Scholarly Teaching Project
Plan-Do-Study-Act Cohort
Explore, experiment, and reflect on your teaching practice
A collaborative and cross disciplinary community, the Plan-Do-Study-Act cohort aims to produce evidence-based artifacts to strengthen faculty members' annual reviews, promotion portfolios, and scholarly teaching goals. Utilizing a series of short cycles, this program is designed to help faculty members explore, experiment, and reflect on their teaching practice in a practical, evidence-informed, and time-manageable way. After an initial consultation during the fall 2025 semester, faculty will work through short, focused Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles (4–5 weeks each) during spring 2026 semester. Each cycle will target a specific teaching challenge of the faculty member’s choice, and Jiménez Esquilín will provide resources, coaching, and encourage light-touch data collection (such as mid-semester student feedback, engagement tracking, or grade trends). This project continues to build upon the PDSA approach as initiated by the First2 Network.