Bushra Rayyan, Ph.D

Graduate Research, Teaching & Career Development Assistant | Student Vice President, Phi Kappa Phi

Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States

About

Experienced Architectural Designer seeking an administrative role that provides hands-on opportunities aligned with my goal of becoming an Executive Manager for an engineering company.

Experience

  • University of Bridgeport (2 yrs 10 mos)
    • Co-Instructor – Lean Six Sigma Course
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

      • Co-deliver graduate-level instruction on Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC methodology, quality tools, and process improvement frameworks) • Lead ~50% of course lectures, simplifying complex concepts into practical, real-world applications • Design and facilitate interactive class activities and case studies to enhance student engagement and problem-solving skills • Mentor students on project work, guiding data analysis, root cause identification, and solution development • Collaborate with faculty to structure course content, assessments, and continuous improvement of teaching delivery

    • Graduate Administrative Assistant - Center for Career Development
      Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

      • Assist the Center for Career Development with organizing and managing departmental operations. • Support career development initiatives by coordinating events, workshops, and employer-student networking sessions. • Manage and update Handshake, Interstride, and Focus 2 platforms to connect students with resources and opportunities. • Conduct research and prepare reports on career development trends and NACE competencies to enhance student services. • Collaborate with internal teams and external employers to improve resource utilization and student engagement. • Create and manage career-related marketing materials and oversee social media outreach to promote resources and events. • Maintain organized systems to gather and analyze data supporting career development strategies.

    • Graduate Research Assistant
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      • Conduct literature reviews and data analysis in technology management, project management, and AI applications. • Design surveys, collect data, and apply statistical/analytical methods to support research studies. • Assist in drafting research papers, proposals, and presentations for academic and industry audiences. • Support faculty research on innovation, quality management, and AI-driven decision-making in organizations.

  • General Manager at International Merchandise Co
    Sep 2020 - Aug 2023 · 3 yrs

    • Oversaw and coordinated daily business plans which included establishing vendor relations, negotiating and managing contracts, devising marketing plan and calculating commission per sale. • Developed an online platform that connected wholesalers with clients which made ordering more efficient. • Merchandised for multiple businesses across the Asia continent. • Effectively managed P&L ensuring company maximized on its profits and minimized expenses despite the fluctuation of the Turkish lira. • Leveraged business development expertise by developing and establishing strategies to increase clientele and expand business into other countries; Instituted diversity initiatives to foster fair and equitable business practices.

  • Architectural Intern at Mustafa Architects Ltd.
    Jun 2020 - Sep 2020 · 4 mos

    • Collaborated with a team of engineers and contractors to design and produce detailed drawing plans for a building project. Used 3D modeling and renderings. • Visited construction site to conduct a walk-through reviewing building codes and regulations to ensure compliance.

  • Shift Manager at Fox Group
    Apr 2017 - Mar 2018 · 1 yr

    - Oversaw employees during shifts, delegated tasks and ensured smooth store operations. - Addressed customer inquiries, resolved complaints, and maintained a positive shopping experience. - Monitored daily sales performance and ensured the team met sales goals. - Assisted with restocking, organized displays, and maintained inventory accuracy. - Coordinated staff schedules and managed shift changes or replacements. - Trained new employees and provided ongoing support to improve team performance.

  • English Second Language Tutor at Nahshon Virtual Program
    Nov 2015 - Feb 2018 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Taught multiple groups of 2-5 high school students. Groups were from 10th and 11th grade. Each group was studying a different proficiency level. • Prepared them for their English Bagrut exams (pre-university exams). • The tutoring included solving questions and texts, reading comprehension, having conversations, understanding grammar, listening exercises, and more.