Faculty Spotlight: Professor Hashem Mehdizadeh Tabrizi, Chair of Computer Science and Unmanned and Autonomous Systems

Professor Hashem Tabrizi’s relationship with Capitol Technology University goes back to his undergraduate days. He earned his bachelor of science in electronics engineering technology from Capitol Tech in 1985, and subsequently completed a master’s degree in information technology at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). He has taught at numerous colleges and universities across the Washington DC metro area.

In the following interview, Professor Tabrizi discusses his approach to effective teaching and why he’s excited to be at Capitol Tech.

You have taught at many institutions, both public and private. What do you like most about Capitol Tech?

The fact that its private, non-profit, and non-sectarian appeals to me, as does the small size. Everybody knows everybody. Professors have the opportunity to pay close attention to students, and students have the opportunity to contact other students. Often, my students come to my office and we will discuss questions that they may have, or go over problems and activities. Sometimes it is hard to find this level of interaction at larger universities.

The only thing about Capitol Tech that puzzles me is the fact that we are not better known. This university has a great foundation and great potential. Capitol Tech focuses on engineering and technology, which are drivers of the world we see around us.  Whatever happens in other sectors, engineering and tech will always be there.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

Teachers help build the future. Parents are the most important influences in a person’s life, but the second most important role is that of a teacher. I still remember my best teachers from elementary school, high school, and college. I remember what they taught me and use that knowledge on a daily basis.

How would you describe your approach to teaching?

I see myself as a facilitator. Rather than just standing up there and lecturing for two or three hours, I provide the students with activities, including opportunities for collaboration. I point out the importance of learning to share, work with others, and communicate. Students need to learn how to learn from others, how to give and take. I tell them they should endeavor to give more and take less; if we all adopt this attitude, all of us will succeed.

What are some of the recurring challenges that you see among students in computer science?

Sometimes some students do not have a strong technical background, or enough of a computer science background.  In recent years, though, I am seeing this problem less often. Most high schools now offer programming languages, including C and other object-oriented languages, and so the students are getting the preparation they need for college. Still, there are students who struggle. I encourage them to contact the learning center and arrange for tutoring. Later on, it is very common to see the same students now volunteering to tutor others who are struggling.

 What is your measure of success as a teacher? What makes you feel a sense of achievement?

When I ask questions, and they respond! That is when I can best assess how the class as a whole is progressing.

Before I start teaching anything, I ask questions and let the students think about them. I encourage them not to be shy, and not to be afraid of being wrong. Sometimes I am wrong – but I am willing to be corrected. I tell them that we are all here to learn together. I believe it is important to create an atmosphere in class that is conducive to learning. If students do not feel comfortable in the class environment, what are they going to learn?