Teaching
Teaching experience at University of Michigan, University of British Columbia, and Sharif University of Technology.
Courses Taught
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
ME 395 — Laboratory II
Graduate Student InstructorME 505 — Finite Element Methods in MEAM
Graduate Student InstructorUniversity of British Columbia
PHYS 122 — Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences I
Head TAENGR 489/589 — Multi-Objective Optimization and Decision-Making
Lab TAENGR 381 — Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery
Tutorial TAAPSC 181 — Dynamics
Tutorial TAPHYS 112/122 — Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences I & II
Lab TAENGR 310 — Design of Machine Elements
Tutorial TAHEAL 405 — Applied Research in Health
Marking TAAPSC 171 — Engineering Drawing and CAD/CAM
Tutorial TASharif University of Technology
Introduction to ABAQUS
Workshop InstructorStructural Analysis
Tutorial TAEngineering Vibrations
Tutorial TAMechanics of Materials
Tutorial TAApplied Finite Element
Tutorial TAAirframe Structural Design
Tutorial TAStatics
Tutorial TAEvaluation Scores
Effectiveness
& Knowledge
Communication
Approachability
Out of 5.0 • Averaged across all evaluated courses at the University of Michigan and the University of British Columbia
What Students Say
"I was very impressed by how well prepared Amir was to support us in this class, from simply getting deal.ii working for everyone, to supporting students who had minimal prior experience in C++, to helping students understand how to take the complex theory we were learning in class and translate it into an implementation in code to solve real problems."
PhD student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Amir Nazemi was an exceptional GSI for MECHENG 505. He demonstrated mastery of the course, and a mastery of the resources to be successful within the course. Amir's lectures, including coding demonstrations and examples, along with his extra one-on-one assistance in office hours made me familiar with and proficient in coding with this language."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"He was exceptionally patient and respectful, regardless of how long it took to debug a problem or clarify a concept. Rather than simply pointing out errors, he took the time to explain why a particular approach was incorrect, how the theory informed the correct implementation, and how to think systematically about debugging numerical codes."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"Amir also taught two full classes to prepare us for the final project. These topics are all outside of the typical scope of the class, and they are broad topics that I imagine would be overwhelming to teach, but Amir's lectures were focused, clear and well-prepared. I understood the technical material despite having minimal background knowledge."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"When I approached Amir for help, he carefully went through my code and reasoning but intentionally did not reveal the solution outright. Instead, he asked targeted questions, highlighted specific assumptions I should revisit, and guided me toward examining the problem from a more fundamental perspective. That experience significantly strengthened my understanding of FEM implementation and problem-solving, and it is a teaching approach I have rarely encountered at this level."
M.S. student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Amir guided students in finding the answers to their own questions, and solutions to their own problems, without explicitly providing them with the answer or solution. This method of student instruction and assistance encouraged learning and improved problem-solving capabilities with future problems."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"I remember Amir working around the clock to understand why the original instructions were not working and to find a solution quickly. I recall him figuring it out and sharing new instructions to run the class code within a week, well before the original due date for the first assignment."
PhD student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"As my GSI in this course, Amir provided me with an invaluable skill in C++ programming that I will continue to use and develop in my career as a mechanical engineer."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"He introduced us to commercial finite element software, specifically ANSYS Mechanical. He walked us through solving two assignments in ANSYS, which we had already implemented independently in C++. This parallel exposure was invaluable."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"Amir introduced an additional project option focused on the use of machine learning techniques for solving partial differential equations within the FEM framework. This alternative project reflected current research and industry trends and gave students the opportunity to explore emerging computational approaches alongside classical numerical methods."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"His willingness to engage deeply with students' questions — often involving complex mathematical and computational details — created a supportive learning environment in which students felt comfortable asking questions and exploring challenging material."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"He was consistently approachable and created an inclusive environment where students from diverse academic backgrounds could succeed, even in a highly technical course. I would welcome the opportunity to take another course taught by him."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"Amir consistently took the time to address student doubts in depth and never rushed through topics for the sake of completion. He frequently reviewed individual codes and solutions in detail, explaining not only why a particular approach might be incorrect but also what a more robust or general method would look like."
M.S. student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"He never skipped or cancelled office hours, and beyond that, he was consistently prompt and thoughtful in responding to emails and in-person questions. He never demeaned students for asking low-level questions or fumbling in communication."
M.S. student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Amir stands out as an exemplary educator. His thoughtful guidance, reliability, and respect for students have had a lasting impact on my learning and academic growth."
M.S. student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Amir was patient, approachable and always willing to help myself and others who found themselves in need of extra assistance to grasp these theories and effectively program these solutions."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Amir requested feedback halfway through the course, and I believe he successfully incorporated it to improve his teaching before the end of the course. Overall, I was very impressed with Amir as my GSI and would be excited to have him as my GSI again."
PhD student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"He made the material interesting, and he paused for questions and answered them thoughtfully. Overall, I think Amir did a great job as a GSI for ME 505."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Both the professor and TA are extremely patient and responsible. They give very good instruction in this course."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"Strong correlation between concepts and coding assignments which helps to understand how to implement the theory taught in class."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2025
"One of the strengths of the teaching staff for this class is their availability to help outside of class. This is a class that definitely requires learning through doing and as such this is hugely important."
Student, ME 505 Fall 2024
"I liked that we had the opportunity to watch how problems were solved and then attempt to solve one of them ourselves."
Student, APSC 181 Dynamics, Summer 2022
"Tutorial is very well prepared and the topics chosen are helpful to understand the course."
Student, APSC 181 Dynamics, Summer 2022
"Explained to us calmly each question we had, and I think he was fair at grading."
Student, APSC 181 Dynamics, Summer 2022
"He answers questions very clearly and is always there to help."
Student, PHYS 122 Physics, Summer 2022
"He was very knowledgeable in the tutorial and very helpful when our group was stuck on a question."
Student, PHYS 122 Physics, Summer 2022
"He helped us by answering questions and providing helpful feedback on our answers during the tutorial times so we could best understand what we were doing."
Student, PHYS 122 Physics, Summer 2022
"The TA was very helpful for answering questions and checking to make sure students understood the material."
Student, PHYS 122 Physics, Summer 2022
"Conveys concepts clearly, marking is clear and is available to review marking if need be."
Student, ENGR 489/589 Optimization, Fall 2022
"TAs are all patient and clearly explain the steps to solve the problem."
Student, ENGR 489/589 Optimization, Fall 2022
"Clarified doubts and helped in our learning process."
Student, ENGR 489/589 Optimization, Fall 2022
"Well prepared, good at answering questions."
Student, ENGR 381 Kin. & Dyn. Machinery, Fall 2022
"Amir was very well organized and knows his stuff! He is able to explain SolidWorks-related issues and is able to help with drawing as well!"
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021
"He goes over the course content and provides helpful feedback. Amir is a good TA."
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021
"He was helpful when I had a question about either SolidWorks or drawing."
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021
"He explains every tutorial well."
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021
"He is very willing to help during the class time."
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021
"Explanation of concepts were well presented."
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021
"Directly providing information and assisting where needed."
Student, APSC 171 Eng. Drawing & CAD/CAM, Fall 2021