Welcome to our second edition of #TeachingTuesday for the 2024-2025 academic year. This week we catch up with School of Public Policy (SPP) Professor Brenda Gellner!
Question 1: Why did you decide to become a professor?
I became a professor because I am passionate about both teaching and research. Academia provides a unique environment where I can explore my research interests in-depth while also learning from and passing on knowledge to the next generation of public leaders, which is very rewarding.
Question 2: What are your teaching interests?
Thus far, my teaching interests have primarily been in quantitative coursework, including microeconomics, policy analysis, and statistics. I am particularly interested in translating mathematical concepts into the policy space. I enjoy connecting these ideas to real-world applications because I believe it helps students see the practical relevance of what they’re learning.
I am also interested in how we can better combat math anxiety in the classroom. I try to do this by creating an approachable learning environment and breaking down difficult concepts into manageable steps so students can build their confidence and skills. I believe, however, that teaching is a skill you can continuously improve upon, and this is one area where I would like to learn more.
Question 3: Why did you decide to come to UConn?
I graduated from the University of Washington in June. UConn offered me this incredible opportunity to step into the academic world and teach economics, not as an economist but from the perspective of a public administration scholar who studies street-level bureaucracy theory in healthcare. I am thrilled to be working with so many students this year, and UConn’s interdisciplinary environment and commitment to teaching excellence made it the ideal place for me to begin my academic career.
Question 4: If you weren’t a professor what would you be instead and why?
If I weren’t a professor, I would love to work as a nonfiction author, a board game designer, or in animal rescue. Writing nonfiction fascinates me because, much like teaching and research, it allows for the exploration and sharing of complex ideas in a way that is engaging and accessible. Designing board games would be another dream job, as it merges creativity, strategic thinking, and play — all elements that resonate with the problem-solving aspects of my current work. As for animal rescue, I’ve always been passionate about animal welfare, and helping animals in need would be incredibly rewarding.
Question 5: What is your favorite thing about Hartford?
I’m new to Hartford, Connecticut, and New England in general, having only lived in the Upper Midwest and Seattle before. So far, I’m really enjoying the people and the pace of life here. There’s a friendliness and charm that makes the city feel welcoming.
I’m also looking forward to experiencing New England winters (I did grow up in North Dakota!), as I’ve always enjoyed the changing seasons and the crisp, snowy weather.
Question 6: If you could travel to any location right now where would you like to go and why?
I would love to travel to a snowy, secluded cabin, maybe somewhere in the mountains. I imagine spending my days inside, puzzling and playing board games by a warm fire with my husband and dog (I have an 11-year-old Italian Greyhound named Lloyd!), and then bundling up to take long, brisk walks in the cold. The mix of cozy indoor activities and the serene, snowy landscape outside would be the perfect escape!