I teach because I believe education has the power to transform lives, and I am passionate about being a part of that transformation.
Lecturer
My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a student-centered, inclusive learning environment that fosters engagement, adaptability, and innovation. I believe in active learning, ensuring students are not passive recipients but active participants through discussions, group work, and real-world applications. I adapt my teaching to diverse class sizes and student needs, creating a supportive and approachable atmosphere for all learners. Embracing modern tools and technologies, such as customized chatbots, I prepare students for real-world challenges and evolving industry demands. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire students, cultivate critical thinking, and empower them to apply their knowledge confidently in academic and professional settings.
I teach because I believe education has the power to transform lives, and I am passionate about being a part of that transformation. My journey began in 2016 when I volunteered to teach statistics at a high school in Sri Lanka. That experience taught me that teaching is not just about delivering content—it is about inspiring students, mentoring them, and helping them find purpose in their hard work. Seeing students develop curiosity, gain confidence, and excel brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and positive energy to my life.
I am deeply passionate about education and view teaching as more than just a profession—it’s my calling. My journey, from volunteering to teach statistics in Sri Lanka to becoming a lecturer at the University of Georgia, reflects my commitment to making a difference in students’ lives. I value motivation and hard work, believing that education can transform lives, just as I’ve witnessed in my own experiences.
What makes me passionate about teaching is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. I love fostering critical thinking and curiosity in my students while equipping them with skills they can use beyond the classroom. Whether it’s breaking down complex ideas into digestible concepts, tackling real-world industry challenges in projects, or introducing innovative tools like R programming or chatbots, I find joy in creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that empower students to achieve their goals. Teaching allows me to be a mentor, a guide, and an advocate for their success, and that is what drives my passion.
I hope students gain not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also the confidence and critical thinking skills to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. My goal is for them to feel empowered to tackle complex challenges, leveraging the tools and techniques they learn in class. I want students to leave my courses with a sense of curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning, equipped with practical, hands-on experience that bridges theory and application. Additionally, I hope they develop an appreciation for collaboration and problem-solving, as well as the ability to navigate diverse perspectives and contexts. Above all, I want my students to feel supported, inspired, and prepared to succeed in both their academic and professional journeys.
Sarangan Balasubramaniam is a Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at the University of Georgia, specializing in statistical methods, spatial statistics, and data analytics. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his research focused on spatial prediction for axially symmetric processes on spheres. With a passion for active and innovative teaching, he integrates modern tools like R programming and customized chatbots into his courses to provide hands-on learning experiences. Sarangan is deeply committed to fostering a student-centered and inclusive classroom environment, inspiring critical thinking and preparing students to tackle real-world challenges. Beyond teaching, he actively engages in research and consulting, with interests in machine learning, operational research, and statistical learning. Sarangan’s ultimate goal is to empower students to excel academically and professionally through meaningful, practical, and engaging education.
Learn more about Sarangan Balasubramaniam.