Ayaj Rana

My interest in teaching deepened during my years as a faculty member at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh, where I taught for over four years in the Department of Development Studies, serving as both a lecturer and an assistant professor. During that time, I had the opportunity to design and deliver a broad range of courses to undergraduate and graduate students, including those enrolled in professional master’s programs. These courses covered subjects such as policy analysis, public finance, resource economics, and quantitative research methods. Those early experiences helped me realize how much I enjoy working with students and watching them grow more confident in their learning.

When I began my Ph.D. at Cornell, I sought opportunities to refine my teaching and mentoring. Alongside my role as a teaching assistant for multiple classes, I found an opportunity to serve as a Graduate Resident Fellow at Alice Cook House, an undergraduate residential community of 360 sophomores, juniors, and seniors each year. This competitive role gave me the opportunity to support students outside the classroom by living in the community and contributing to its educational environment. I help foster a vibrant living-learning culture through a for-credit seminar called Cook Conversations as well as a range of programs on civic engagement, cultural exchange, and intellectual exploration. This experience has broadened my understanding of mentorship and strengthened my ability to support students across diverse academic backgrounds and life experiences.

In both classroom and mentoring settings, I strive to create an environment where students feel respected, supported, and intellectually engaged. I encourage open questions, thoughtful discussion, and critical thinking. Students have responded positively to this approach, as reflected in their feedback: “Ayaj gives clear answers and responds to questions well;” “Ayaj has made himself very accessible during and after class;” “Ayaj is very open at his office hours, I can ask him any questions;” “He is very friendly and approachable.” These comments mean a great deal to me. They reflect the values I bring to my teaching: clarity, responsiveness, and a strong commitment to student learning.

Courses Taught

Below is a list of courses I have taught or supported, including course titles, terms, levels, and approximate class sizes.

Cornell University

Teaching Assistant 

• ILRLR 2050 · Labor Relations 

Spring 2024 · Instructor: Prof. Adam Seth Litwin · Undergraduate · 50 students

• ILRLR 2050 · Labor Relations 

Fall 2023 · Instructor: Prof. Harry Katz · Undergraduate · 120 students

• UNILWYL 1404 · Cook Conversations: Critical Dialogues on Work and Society 

Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 · Instructor: Prof. Chantal Thomas · Undergraduate · 20 students

University of Dhaka

Assistant Professor

• DS 542 · Polity, Policy Process, and Institutions 

Fall 2020 · Graduate · 25 students

• DS 505 · Advanced Econometrics  

Fall 2020 · Graduate ·10 students

• DS 406 · Understanding Public Policy Process  

Spring 2021 · Undergraduate · 25 students

Lecturer

• DS 561 · Environmental Economics 

Fall 2016 & Fall 2017 · Graduate · 25 students

• DS 302 · Public Finance  

Spring 2017 & Spring 2018 · Undergraduate · 60 students

• DS 205 · Agriculture and Rural Development

Fall 2017 · Undergraduate · 35 students