I am currently field research coordinator for the Mexican Migration Field Research Program. This program teaches students research methods and gives them the opportunity to carry out research with Mexican immigrants in the United States and their families in Mexico, and publish the results of this research in a book published annually. In this position I have taught research methods, instructed students as they carry out their research, and assisted them in data analysis and write-up of their work. Some comments from my students appear below.

 As a student who had no experience with field research methods of any sort, working under the instruction of David Keyes was a pleasure and an excellent experience during the 2011 MMFRP Oaxaca research program. During our one-on-one group meetings, David was always on top of cultivating the discussion. He did a great job of initiating the brainstorming process, and of asking the right questions to generate our research process. With his guidance and support, David ensured that we always had a good understanding of the process each step of the way. From outlining our initial research proposal to drafting each copy of our chapter, he was able to effectively assist us in our efforts. Without presenting an over-imposing method of instruction, he struck an effective balance between actual instruction and careful guidance along the way. For helping a first-time author construct a chapter worthy for publication, David was a great instructor, facilitator, and adviser.

As an instructor, you were wonderful – beyond helpful, well informed, and always available to this large group. Your patience, passion for the subject material, and kindness as a person spill over into your instruction, which really helped make this year long project less daunting. I thank you for always keeping the students and overseers of MMFRP well connected and for treating both cohorts with equal measures of respect.

David Keyes is an excellent teacher who is always willing to help each and every student. He is consistently available for students and goes out of his way to meet and discuss assignments as well as graduate school and career options. David is highly skilled in breaking down assignments into manageable components that facilitate understanding.

David Keyes is a very good instructor. He is always available to help his students. He answers questions and guides us through our assignments. Whenever he doesn’t know an answer he is able to say that he doesn’t know but he will find the answer. He shows respect for his students and students are able to respect him.

At UCSD I have been a teaching assistant for the Making of the Modern World writing program and earned excellent reviews for my work.

Thanks so much for all your hard work. I have to tell you, you are definitely the most detailed, organized, and helpful TA I’ve had yet.