Faculty Spotlight - Ryan Masinelli
What do you teach at EvCC?
I teach Information Technology courses. I focus on the troubleshooting of hardware and software, introduction to cloud infrastructure, and introduction to networking.
Tell us a little about your professional background.
I'm a U.S. Army combat veteran with tours to both Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving the military in 2011, I floated around for a little while between jobs until I went back to school to learn about Information Technology. Now my background is focused on being a Systems Administrator, someone who manages the internal computer systems of organizations.
Why did you choose EvCC?
I was a student here and have grown to love the EvCC campus culture. I took classes with the Computer Information Systems/Information Technology (CIS) program in 2013 and began working at the college the same year. I went from student to student-staff to part-time staff/faculty to full-time staff/part-time faculty. I’ve worked really hard to improve the CIS program, and now that I am a tenure-track faculty member, I feel that I can have an even greater positive impact on the students and campus as a whole. I met my girlfriend when we were both students taking a class together, and now I teach out of the same classroom.
Why would you recommend EvCC's IT program to students?
The program offers a strong foundation for a field that is constantly changing and evolving. Students will receive the training and experience they need to get a start in one of the largest growing industries in the world. Every company needs people that are trained in these skill sets. We go beyond being computer users and look at all areas of the tech industry and how to properly handle and secure companies' computer assets.
How has the pandemic affected you? How are you doing?
I spend a lot more time at home. During a regular quarter, I am out of the house and on campus a lot. I usually teach from mid-afternoon until close around 10 p.m. Now I get to work out of my home office and spend more time with my Maltese named Grunt. I have adapted well, and am starting to enjoy aspects of teaching online.
How have you adapted your curriculum and teaching methods to support students who are learning from home?
I try to think about what they could be going through at this time. Everyone is in a different situation, and I believe students should be able to navigate their way through the course in a way that is most effective for them. I have opened up the content of my classes more and am suggesting students set milestones for themselves. Supporting the students' mental health is very important, so I have been providing times throughout the week when they can talk with me, even if it's not about the class.
What advice do you have for students who are taking online or livestream classes for the first time?
Create a schedule and follow it. I believe that setting a firm schedule creates a pattern of good behavior and helps students actually complete tasks. Doing this will improve not only productivity but also mental health. In addition, I encourage students to engage with the content rather than passively consume the material through interactive labs and discussions.
What do you like to do for fun?
Play video games such as RPGs, like the Fallout Series.
What is your favorite snack?
Sour Patch Kids are my favorite.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I feel very fortunate to be working with Everett Community College. The entire college, from administrators, to staff and faculty, is moving mountains right now to accommodate students and support faculty in adapting to the new online environment. The success of my students is not solely the result of my effort, but the combined work of hundreds of my EvCC colleagues.