Cari Kaufman

Cari Kaufman is a Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at the University of California, Berkeley, affiliated with the Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society. She joined the faculty in 2008 and is renowned for her teaching excellence, particularly in Stat 2: Introduction to Statistics, which enrolls over 300 students annually. Her work focuses on innovative pedagogy, especially adapting teaching methods during the pandemic to maintain student engagement through modular course design and empathetic policies.

Recipient of the 2021 Extraordinary Teaching in Extraordinary Times Award, Kaufman restructured her courses into digestible modules while prioritizing flexibility and student well-being. Her approach emphasizes overcoming barriers to learning, challenging traditional academic norms around 'hand-holding' in education. She has contributed to reshaping remote learning strategies through Berkeley’s Semester in the Cloud initiative, integrating small-group activities and asynchronous content to enhance accessibility.

• Awards: Recognized by the Academic Senate for pandemic-era teaching innovation
• Impact: Sustained commitment to inclusive education and iterative instructional improvement