My name is Dr. Priti Brahma. Please feel free to address me by Priti, Professor, or Dr. Brahma - I answer to all 3 but not, Mrs. Brahma! 🙂

Academic Credentials

Ph.D. Civil & Environmental Engineering, UCLA

M.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering, UCLA

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley

Teaching Background

I joined Cabrillo College in 2020 and I'm so happy to be here! I am also an adjunct faculty of Technical Mathematics In the Career Education Department at Napa Valley College and an adjunct faculty in Environmental Science at the University of San Francisco. I have also taught computer science, environmental science, and engineering classes at UCLA, Cal State LA, and American University.

Academic Background

I studied Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley and completed my PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering at UCLA. As a lifelong educator and learner, my first full-time job was at NOAA as a Presidential Management Fellow where I worked on fostering research and educational ties between NOAA and its Minority Institution partners. I also mentored graduate students to achieve their graduate degrees while supported by NOAA through the Graduate Sciences and Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Programs.

My Educational Journey

I aim to help students achieve their goals through mentorship and ensuring that my mistakes or “lessons learned” as a first-generation college student are not repeated. My biggest lesson learned was to follow your path. I studied Engineering, specifically mechanical engineering because my father was a mechanical engineer and I didn’t know that there was anything other than that for me. I received no guidance and mentorship in applying for college, choosing a major, or even exploring a major through internships. I was lost. My hope is that I can help students not be lost! I love helping students achieve their academic and professional goals and look forward to working with you this semester to help you achieve yours!

What You Can Expect to Experience In My Courses

In my courses, I enjoy bringing current events and relevance into my teaching. I like to offer diverse learning activities such as blended learning where students are introduced to content at home and practice working through it in the classroom. This includes debates, games, demonstrations, and in-class group work which promotes engaging dialogue. I am not all about the right or wrong answer but instead, the skill to critically examine a topic and see the possibilities and multiple truths in the information that is out there in the world. You will leave the course inspired to see the world through multiple lenses. I am an authentic educator with open discussions with a hope to ensurethat you are heard in our learning space. In other words, your voice matters! What I mean by being an authentic educator is….I am your guide in your learning journey and here to foster your agency and inquiry. I am not here to give you the answers. You are invited to bring your diverse experiences, culture, strengths, and learning into the classroom. I love learning along with you!

In my spare time, I enjoy riding my bike around the Bay Area, gardening, reading, yoga, and traveling with my husband and teenage son.

Office Hours for Fall 2024

My office hours are online using the Zoom link provided in class. I will be there at 3:30 p.m. which is 30 minutes before class begins on Wednesdays (8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 10/2, 10/23, & 11/6) and I will stay 5 minutes after class each time as well. Alternative times can be arranged. Simply email me to set up a time to meet.