Teaching

Introduction to advanced geotechnical testing in laboratory and field environments, focusing on interpretation of real test data and application to geotechnical design. Topics include:

• Field Testing: site characterization, field logging and sampling, Soil Penetration Testing (SPT), Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), drilling, undisturbed sampling, field vane shear, permeability testing, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)

• Laboratory Testing: laboratory vane shear, triaxial testing (UU, CU, CD), Isotropic Consolidation Loading (ICL) consolidation testing, Constant Rate of Strain (CRS) consolidation testing, cyclic triaxial and simple shear testing (monotonic and cyclic)

• Data Synthesis and Interpretation

• Design Applications: levee design considering settlement, static and seismic slope stability (short- and long-term), and soil compaction

• Course Level: Graduate (M.S. Capstone Project)
  Semester: Spring 2023, Spring 2024
  Software Used: Settle3, PLAXIS, SEEP/W, SLOPE/W, CPeTIT, CLIq

Introduction to principles of groundwater flow, including steady and transient flow through porous media, flow in the saturated and vadose zones, numerical analysis, pumping tests, groundwater geology, contaminant transport, and design of waste containment systems.

• Course Level: Higher-Level Undergraduate

Semester: Fall 2023

Software Used: MODFLOW, SEEP/W, Aqtesolv 

• "Mirna is kind, approachable, generous with her time, and explains concepts well so that everyone understands. She helped make the laboratory environment and capstone project a learning experience. I do not know what I would have done without her! I appreciate Mirna so much!" (CIVENG 273, Spring 2023)

• "Mirna was a wonderful instructor to have this semester. She is very knowledgeable about the content. She always demonstrated mastery of the topics at office hours and discussion sessions. She was able to assist, clarify, and teach the concepts in a simplified, digestible, and understandable manner." (CIVENG 173, Fall 2023)

• "I enjoyed the office hours and discussions, not just because Mirna made the topics easier to grasp, but also because she was a welcoming and kind instructor. I always felt comfortable to ask questions and talk to her. I appreciate the time she spent to review concepts and how she was very responsive to emails. I truly learned from her. Mirna is awesome!" (CIVENG 173, Fall 2023)

• "The weekly discussions were incredibly helpful for understanding the material and how to approach the assignments. The instructor was always very prepared and answered questions clearly and made it a lot easier to understand the course content." (CIVENG 173, Fall 2023)

• "The instructor graded and provided feedback on every assignment submission within 24 hours of submission and responded rapidly to email queries. This is commendable. Prompt grading and feedback is most effective in ensuring that students are timeously made aware of any shortfalls in their understanding of the concepts." (CIVENG 173, Fall 2023)

• " Mirna is amazing. She really helps our class learn and understand key concepts covered in this course. She is always approachable, caring, and helpful. She was a vital element in our learning, and it would not have been possible to handle this class without her. Mirna is one of the most effective instructors I have ever had." (CIVENG 273, Spring 2024)

• "Mirna was one of my most favorite instructors that I have had this past year. She is undoubtedly knowledgeable and prepared to help students be successful." (CIVENG 273, Spring 2024)

Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, UC Berkeley (Spring 2023)

Completed a semester-long training course for future Civil and Environmental Engineering teachers, with emphasis on pedagogy, curriculum design, and active learning strategies. 

Teaching and Resource Center, UC Berkeley (Spring 2023)

Attended a day-long conference that offers discipline-cluster workshops and interactive sessions that provide practical strategies for effective teaching, classroom management, and student engagement. 

Teaching and Resource Center – UC Berkeley (Spring 2023)

Participated in a specialized orientation designed for first-time international Graduate Student Instructors, focusing on effective teaching practices within the U.S. academic context, including student engagement, classroom communication, and cultural expectations. 

Teaching and Resource Center, UC Berkeley (Spring 2023)

• Completed a course on policies, practices, and standards that all instructors need to know in order to perform their responsibilities professionally and ethically. 

• The course comprises five modules covering professional conduct, inclusive teaching, accommodating students with disabilities, academic integrity, and preventing sexual harassment, aiming to prepare instructors for their instructional responsibilities.