Joy Barros DeLeon, PhD, MS, CHES

Biography

Joy DeLeon is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in the School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior. She received her PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion from the University of Alabama Birmingham and received her CHES in 2017. With a background in research on sexual health and substance use behaviors among young adults, Dr. DeLeon brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her teaching. She believes effective teaching is comprised of two necessary elements: 1) knowledge of course content and 2) the ability to clearly and confidently articulate key concepts. She strives to thoroughly understand the concepts she presents and to use timely and relevant examples or current events to aid in student comprehension and retention. Consequently, her courses are learner-focused, concept orientated, and organized with a specific “road map” (syllabi) from the first day of the term. The following principles are reflective of her personal teaching style: a) being enthusiastic for each class and letting it show, b) learning about the students in the course and identifying them by name, c) organizing each class session in a linear manner, d) using a presentation style that maximizes student interest, and e) using a variety of instructional methods to present course material. To create a safe learning environment, Dr. DeLeon encourages students to ask questions and provide their views on the material being covered, while being attentive to student differences given the potentially sensitive nature of health education topics. To achieve the ultimate goal of student learning, she strives to implement techniques that create a sense of community in the classroom and encourages the application of knowledge to new and emerging situations. Serving as an instructor, mentor, and advisor are inseparable duties and each should be conveyed with enthusiasm for learning and the sincerest intent to professionally prepare future health educators. To this end, the most rewarding experience for Dr. DeLeon is to take professional interest in the student, developing a sense of rapport and credibility. Her commitment to training the next generation of researchers and practitioners is evident in her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success.