University at Buffalo, August 24 - Present

At UB, I've taken my love for data and turned it into a dynamic teaching adventure. I've taught undergrad and grad courses in statistical inference and educational data science—whether in person, online, or somewhere in between. I spice things up with AI-powered tools and interactive exercises that make even the trickiest numbers fun puzzles. I also celebrate diversity, ensuring every quirky voice in the classroom is heard. It's been a journey of growth, innovation, and plenty of "aha" moments—where learning meets a dash of humor.

  • A hybrid course that introduces students to programming in Python for data analysis and machine learning applications in education. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in data cleaning, visualization, predictive modeling, and clustering to prepare students for leveraging big data in educational settings.

  • Introducing advanced programming skills including text data cleaning, effective data visualization, machine learning (SVM), random forest, and Natural Language Processing. Incorporating Datacamp as a tool for practicing.

  • Graduate-level online and in-person courses focused on the principles of inferential statistics. These courses cover ANOVA, regression analysis, and else, equipping students with rigorous analytical skills for research.

  • An introductory undergraduate course that builds a solid foundation in statistical concepts and data management. Students learn essential computational techniques using tools like SPSS and R to analyze real-world data.

University of Central Florida, 2021 - 2022

At UCF, I had a blast mixing fun with learning. I helped deliver innovative K-12 lessons—from drag-and-drop activities to escape rooms and Ozobots—under Dr. Campbell's guidance, rocked our computer lab with a perfect 10/10 for statistical support, and even made my higher-ed debut guest lecturing on the independent samples t-test. It was a chill, rewarding ride!

  • I was invited as a guest lecturer to teach the independent samples t-test, marking my first teaching experience in higher education. I was incredibly excited about the opportunity—10/10!

  • Guided by Dr. Campbell, we, as graduate assistants, delivered both in-person and online instruction covering a wide range of innovative approaches in K-12 education, including drag-and-drop activities, escape rooms, Ozobots, and more.

  • At the School of Education’s state-of-the-art computer lab, designed to support graduate students with statistical analysis and software, I consistently provided expert assistance—earning a 10/10 rating from my clients.

My students say:

  • Its a tricky course to get the hang of, but the set up makes it low stress and highly effective

    A grad student from “Foundations of EDS”

  • This course introduces entirely new concepts to me. The professor explains the concepts clearly and guides us through each step, patiently waiting for us to complete each one. The course is very thoughtfully designed!

    Another grad student from “Foundations of EDS”

  • Dr. Gao has expertise in a much needed area, and I am very grateful to be able to learn from her this semester. She explains everything in an organized and structured manner that helps us learn the material and apply it.

    Another grad student from “Foundations of EDS”

  • The topics in this class are quite complex but Dr. Gao does a great job at explaining both their relevance and the topic itself. Overall, this has been a great class so far.

    Another student from “Foundations of EDS”

  • Dr. Gao's class is very well organized, super clear and for the complex topics, as easy to follow as possible. She is very patient when I have asked questions. She is student-centered, allowing me to follow the class even though I am a distance learner.

    A grad student (online) from “Foundations of EDS”

  • The instructor was really effective in teaching as she answered every question a student had and went over classwork and homework together

    An undergrad from “Basic statistics”

  • She was very enthusiastic about teaching the class

    Another undergrad from “Basic statistics” course