
In the classroom, knowledge is exchanged. But behind the scenes at the Fairbanks School of Public Health, deeper relationships and leadership skills are forged, especially through the experience of becoming a teaching assistant (TA).
Just ask Marilyn Nguyen, a Master of Health Administration (MHA) student, and Gary Brumitt, PhD, clinical assistant professor, who have developed a meaningful academic partnership through the school’s TA program. What started as a faculty-student relationship has evolved into a dynamic mentorship that benefits not only the two of them, but also the undergraduate students Marilyn now helps guide.
Marilyn’s path to becoming a TA began with a strong desire to give back to the community that helped shape her.
“My motivation to serve as a teaching assistant stems from a strong desire to give back to Fairbanks, which has played a pivotal role in shaping both my academic and professional growth,” she said.
During her undergraduate years, Marilyn tutored at the IU Indianapolis Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC), where she discovered her passion for supporting fellow students.
When she entered the MHA program, she didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to work with Professor Brumitt came up.
“I established a strong academic connection with Dr. Brumitt through his undergraduate classes, and, based on my performance, he offered me the opportunity to serve as his teaching assistant in the spring of my first year in the MHA program,” she said.

From Brumitt’s perspective, the decision to bring Marilyn on board was an easy one.
“Marilyn was an outstanding student in H200 and H352, and she had previous MAC tutoring experience,” he explained. “She stood out due to those circumstances. I try to recruit students who not only perform well academically but also have the ability to connect with undergraduates. Marilyn was a perfect fit.”
In her role, Marilyn leads bi-weekly tutoring sessions, provides feedback on course content, and serves as a support system for students navigating challenging material. Brumitt notes that this structure creates a positive feedback loop for his teaching.
“It enhances the student experience and provides them with another resource. I also meet with my TAs to help them prepare, and their insights often help me refine how I present material in class,” he said.
One moment that stands out for Marilyn involved helping a student with a learning disability.
“She regularly attended my TA tutoring hours, seeking support and clarification. Each week, she asked me to break down complex concepts into simpler terms and to provide multiple real-life examples,” she recalled.
Over time, the student began to excel.
“She shared how those examples significantly improved her performance on quizzes, exams, and the group project. She appreciated that I understood her learning challenges and offered practical advice.”
These kinds of moments reflect the deep value of teaching assistant roles, not only for those receiving help, but for those offering it.
“Through my experience as a TA, I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of patience and empathy in supporting students,” Marilyn said. “Many students struggle with self-doubt. When they feel seen and supported, they are more likely to embrace a growth mindset.”
Brumitt echoes that sentiment, adding that these experiences help students like Marilyn develop core competencies needed for leadership in healthcare.
“Teaching others helps a person refine their knowledge of a topic. It’s a great way to grow communication and professionalism, key skills for any healthcare leader or administrator,” he said.
And sometimes, being a TA can even open the door to a future in academia. Brumitt pointed to a former TA, Htayni Hmung, who served in a similar role.
“Htayni was another outstanding TA and a top MHA finance student. She later secured a job in healthcare finance and is now giving back as an adjunct faculty member, teaching H508 online this summer,” he shared. “I’m very proud to see her giving back to Fairbanks.”
Marilyn sees the value in that path as well.
“Working closely with Dr. Brumitt has shown me the tremendous value of building strong relationships with faculty. These connections can lead to opportunities I might never have considered, both academically and professionally,” she said.
She notes that Brumitt’s professional network, built from years of experience in the field, is another major advantage: “He helps connect students with key industry professionals, which is invaluable when taking those first steps into a career.”
For students considering a TA position, Marilyn offers an encouraging message: “Say yes! Being a TA doesn’t mean you have to know everything, and that’s completely okay. There’s a big difference between understanding material and being able to teach it. But the act of teaching is one of the best ways to deepen your own understanding.”
She adds that the support from faculty is key.
“Learning how to teach effectively takes time, and that’s where faculty support plays a big role. Serving as a TA also gives you a unique chance to build close relationships with professors, which can lead to jobs, scholarships, and leadership opportunities.”
Brumitt, too, emphasizes how the program benefits faculty.
“Students like Marilyn bring a fresh perspective to the classroom. Their feedback, enthusiasm, and connection with undergrads make the course stronger and more engaging,” he said. “It’s also fulfilling to see them grow, and sometimes return, as future educators themselves.”
In the end, the TA experience at Fairbanks is about more than just helping with coursework. It’s about building relationships, growing leaders, and reinforcing the values that define public health education.