Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Software
Interests
Personal Training and Health and Wellness
Timeline
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Darren-Lee Kwong

Darren-Lee Kwong

Lecturer At The University Of Johannesburg
Johannesburg

Summary

With a proven track record at the University of Johannesburg, I've pioneered innovative teaching strategies and enhanced curriculum development, significantly improving student satisfaction. Competent in supervision, research and analysis with a knack for fostering engaging learning environments, my approach blends post-graduate guidance with effective classroom management, achieving notable educational advancements.


8 years of industry experience practicing as a sport scientist for various provincial and national team structures (i.e. SA Netball, SA table tennis, Lifesaving SA, SA Paralympics, Wheelchair tennis)

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Lecturer

University of Johannesburg
07.2022 - Current

Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.

  • Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects (2019 - present) to assess student knowledge.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
  • Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
  • Managed large class sizes effectively, maintaining orderly learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
  • Contributed to departmental meetings by sharing insights on effective teaching strategies and proposing solutions for addressing common challenges faced by faculty members.
  • Mentored junior faculty members, sharing best practices in curriculum design and student assessment (4 junior colleagues).
  • Pioneered use of multimedia resources in lectures, enriching learning environment.
  • Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives (26 modules).
  • Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning (OVER 150 STUDENTS).
  • Co-supervised 2 masters students, and currently have 2 masters students (main supervisor) to submit in 2024 and 2025

Assistant Lecturer

University of Johannesburg
07.2019 - 07.2022
  • Initiated and facilitated classroom discussions (over 60 discussion boards).
  • Boosted students'' critical thinking skills through active learning strategies and problem-solving activities.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through clear communication, empathy, and genuine interest in their academic growth (Class representative coordinator for the department of Sport and Movement Studies- 2019 to present).
  • Met with students during and after office hours to address concerns and offer feedback (over 100 students).
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design effective curriculum, resulting in better alignment of course objectives (over 10 meetings).
  • Established positive relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators, promoting open communication channels for enhanced collaboration.
  • Served on academic committees, actively contributing to discussions about the direction of the program and its courses.
  • Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge (over 300 assessments).
  • Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely (COVID-19 online undergraduate (6 modules) and honors modules (3 modules).

Guest Lecturer

University of Johannesburg
06.2014 - 06.2019
  • Assisted in curriculum development (3 modules), leading to improved course content and increased student satisfaction.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with students (3 modules), addressing concerns and offering support as needed.
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to students, fostering their academic growth and career aspirations (honors group 2014 - present).
  • Developed strong rapport with students, creating a supportive learning environment that encouraged active participation.
  • Enhanced student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lectures (over 40 field-testing site visits in lower LSM areas).
  • Continuously updated course materials based on student feedback and emerging research (3 modules), ensuring relevance and accuracy of content presented.

Laboratory Manager

University of Johannesburg
06.2014 - 03.2018
  • Conducted periodic performance reviews (4 reviews) for staff members, offering constructive feedback to facilitate professional growth.
  • Kept laboratory in compliance with applicable guidelines and laws (annually 2014 - 2018).
  • Kept equipment maintained, facility clean, and organized and inventory stocked to maximize performance (annually 2014-2018).
  • Managed operational documents and produced reports detailing activities (annually 2014-2018).
  • Interviewed, hired and trained lab technicians to perform experiments and analyze results (4 lab technicians).
  • Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work (annually 2014-2018).
  • Increased accuracy in test results by maintaining calibration schedules for all instruments (annually 2014-2018).
  • Fostered a positive working environment by promoting open communication among team members and addressing any conflicts promptly.
  • Established relationships with external vendors to negotiate better pricing on lab supplies without compromising quality or availability 2015 - 2018).
  • Managed budgets for the laboratory, ensuring cost-effective use of funds while meeting operational goals.
  • Managed a team of technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of lab equipment.
  • Actively participated in professional conferences and workshops, sharing laboratory best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Maintained an organized inventory system for lab supplies, reducing waste and saving on procurement costs.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.

Head Sport Scientist (Gauteng Sport Academies)

University of Johannesburg
06.2015 - 01.2018
  • Simultaneously managed several complex projects, meeting all pertinent milestones (~6 projects at one time).
  • Designed experiments (~24) using appropriate controls and variables, resulting in valid conclusions being drawn from collected data.
  • Implemented quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.
  • Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.
  • Trained new employees on areas of technical expertise (~4 new employees) and compliance issues relevant to lab setting.
  • Implemented rigorous quality control measures, guaranteeing reliability of research outcomes (annually from 2014 - 2018).
  • Negotiated with suppliers to obtain high-quality materials at reduced costs, maximizing budget efficiency (Life-Max).
  • Conducted field research in challenging environments, expanding empirical base of study (over 40 research settings in lower LSM areas).
  • Facilitated interdisciplinary research projects, merging diverse perspectives to tackle complex scientific questions.
  • Enhanced laboratory efficiency by streamlining experimental protocols.
  • Optimized research processes for speed without sacrificing accuracy, setting new standards for team.
  • Conducted in-depth data analysis to uncover hidden patterns, contributing to breakthroughs in scientific understanding.
  • Mentored junior scientists, elevating overall expertise within team.
  • Translated complex scientific concepts into accessible presentations, broadening audience's understanding.
  • Consulted with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions and determine computational strategies.

Departmental Tutor

Unversity of Johannesburg
01.2015 - 01.2019
  • Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure (over 600 students).
  • Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills (over 40 students).
  • Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence and build important learning skills (BCOM sport management, B Biokinetics, BA Sport development, Dip in Sport Man, BHS in Sport and Exercise Science.

Education

Ph.D. - Sport Science

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
01.2020 - 11.2024

Master of Philosophy - Sport Science

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
01.2016 - 01.2018

Bachelor of Science - Life And Evironmental Sciences

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
01.2009 - 11.2012

Skills

    Coordinator: for the BHS in Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate degree

  • Lesson planning
  • Online lectures
  • Research and analysis
  • Public speaking
  • Student engagement
  • Exam writing
  • Faculty communication
  • Course development
  • Post-graduate supervision (2 successful Masters graduations, 2 current masters )

Affiliations

South African Society of Biomechanics (SASB)

Software

Well versed in Word, Excel, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), PowerPoint, basics of MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB)

Interests

RESISTANCE TRAINING,

Personal Training and Health and Wellness

Train 6 days a week (Body Building)

Actively engaged in Health and Wellness days at the University of Johannesburg 

Timeline

Lecturer

University of Johannesburg
07.2022 - Current

Ph.D. - Sport Science

University of Johannesburg
01.2020 - 11.2024

Assistant Lecturer

University of Johannesburg
07.2019 - 07.2022

Master of Philosophy - Sport Science

University of Johannesburg
01.2016 - 01.2018

Head Sport Scientist (Gauteng Sport Academies)

University of Johannesburg
06.2015 - 01.2018

Departmental Tutor

Unversity of Johannesburg
01.2015 - 01.2019

Guest Lecturer

University of Johannesburg
06.2014 - 06.2019

Laboratory Manager

University of Johannesburg
06.2014 - 03.2018

Bachelor of Science - Life And Evironmental Sciences

University of Johannesburg
01.2009 - 11.2012
Darren-Lee KwongLecturer At The University Of Johannesburg