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CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
 


The UNCW Center for Marine Science has created a new and very important honor for marine science students: The CMS Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award.  Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional competence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduates. They must have clearly mastered their subject material and communicated it with enthusiasm and clarity to undergraduates. 

 

2009 Recipients

Dustin Allen’s nominator writes that Dustin has a very quiet manner with a 1000 Watt smile!  Dustin understands what his freshman Bio 201 students bring with them from high school and is able to help them make the transition to individual thinking and concept building.  Dustin's lab are always very organized, the students are on task (a no small accomplishment), and often stay late to talk with Dustin about their results.  His labs hum along and much good work is accomplished.  Dustin's students like him very much and they also respect him very much. Over the past several years Dustin has given many young scientists an excellent beginning toward critical thinking, along with technical skills and the knowledge base that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.

Teaching Philosophy: My teaching follows four main guidelines.  The first of these involves changing the classroom formality so that everyone feels confident and comfortable to ask questions and lead discussions.  Secondly, I feel the assignments in each class should cover a range of oral, written and group work.  This forces the students to apply their knowledge to both their strengths and weaknesses, and more importantly, learn to work together to accomplish a task.  Thirdly, I teach for the “light bulb moment,”  hinting and guiding in the right direction, until the frustration and confusion fade to understanding.  Lastly and most importantly, class should be fun.   Take a field trip, a class day outside, or just a unique approach to a new topic, the less ordinary the better.
 

Andrew Sumerel was nominated for his work in introductory algebra-based physics labs  (PHY 101-102) in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography. His nominator wrote “I have observed and evaluated teaching assistants in physics graduate programs for more than thirty years, and Andrew is one of the most conscientious and effective instructors I have ever known.” Andrew recognized the need to prepare thoroughly, often spending an hour or more prior to each lab running through the experiment in its entirety. The results have been stellar: student comments on performance evaluations administered each term have been uniformly positive, and summary performance scores have typically exceeded those of our most seasoned professors. This is especially revealing when placed in context:  students taking this class do so because they have to, not because they want to.  Andrew not only knows the subject matter well and is able to communicate it effectively, but also establishes an excellent rapport with his students. These experiences speak well for Andrew’s dedication to task and the vitality he brings to teaching.

Teaching Philosophy: My teaching philosophy is a result of the perpetual examination of my ideas concerning education, and is geared toward the teaching of Science and Mathematics.  I believe that a knowledge of the basic workings of our physical universe and the tools to understand it are very important for everyone, so I feel strongly that careful consideration of course structure, presentation of material (including group work, hands-on activities, fun demonstrations, use of available technologies, etc.), and appropriately designed exams are meant to maximize my students’ education.  Additionally, I make myself available to my students as much as possible, encourage them to come to me with their questions and concerns, and impress upon them the importance of practice, practice, practice!  These aspects of my philosophy ensure that my students gain and retain lifelong, worthwhile information and the desire for its pursuit. 

 

2008 Recipients

Sarah Katharine Braly was nominated for her excellent job of teaching undergraduate Botany labs.  Katherine took a great deal of initiative for significant additions to the BIO 205 Botany Lab.  She took the students to a variety of plant ecosystems on and close to campus to study the physical environment and relationships between the plants and animals living there. Instead of just emailing lists for the Greenhouse Manager to bring to the lab, Katherine spent considerable time in the Greenhouse picking out suitable materials.  Bio 205 is an introductory level course, and because Katherine made it so enjoyable, many students were recruited to pursue further study in botany. While working in the Greenhouse, the students often mentioned that Katherine has a gift for teaching and is able to make difficult plant physiology concepts easy.  Her passion for plants is contagious.
Teaching Philosophy
: I believe my teaching methods are evolving but the most important concepts I carry with me are that you can’t know everything, and science is ever changing.  When teaching biological sciences, it is important to make clear there are exceptions to every rule and life is dynamic, things are not concrete by a long shot.  Keeping this in mind helps to make teacher as well as student mistakes learning processes rather than demeaning experiences.  Also relating teaching topics to seemingly unrelated things in everyday life seems to hit home and help with retention.  On this note I definitely think it is important to be hands on, go outside and experience the study topic first hand.

jennifer dickson brown

Jennifer Dickson Brown was highly recommended for this teaching award because she has gone above and beyond what is expected of a TA, and she is always cheerful and willing to volunteer extra time, and to help out students and profs alike. Jen has taught introductory chemistry labs and she was hand-selected to teach environmental chemistry labs because she is so competent in this subject material. Students commented that Jen was an amazing lab instructor who truly made the material fun and interesting. Students said that Jen helped, but didn’t simply give the answers; students had to understand concepts to figure things out in lab. She explained things in an easy to understand manner. She was always willing to help. “Thanks Jen. You are awesome. Jennifer rocks!”
Teaching Philosophy
: I enjoy teaching because I enjoy learning.  I go into my labs with an open mind because for as much as my students learn from me I always learn something new from my students.  It may be another way to explain a chemistry concept that’s easier to understand or it may not even be science related at all.  I think that too often people don’t take the time to learn from each other.  We all have something to offer and I try to remember that when I interact with my students.  I will always be a student underneath it all because I love learning and trying new things.  I try to portray that trait to my classes because I think that it is what makes me a successful teacher.

2007 Recipients

holly gabries

Holly Gabries was nominated for her excellent job of leading discussion sessions on ten different topics in the Seminar in Environmental Studies (EVS 495). Each student also developed a formal term paper with an initial defense and final oral presentation.  Holly exhibited a high level of maturity and acumen in dealing with a wide range of subject matter and student-related issues in this capstone class that requires subjective assessment of student performance.  Holly is able to anticipate what is needed, and her rapport with the students is excellent.  
Teaching Philosophy: I enjoy environmental science because generally there is no one right or wrong answer to any problem.  I enjoy watching how the students interact with each other to discuss some of the most prominent environmental issues of our time.  Many times students get stuck in multiple large, lecture-dominated courses which have become all too common in undergraduate academia.  This seminar course, however, allows the students to break out of their shell and gain real world skills which will stick with them throughout their careers.  I pride myself on being a part of that experience and hope that the students take as much out of the course as I do.  

barbara jacobsonBarbara Jacobson was nominated for her dedication and effectiveness as a graduate teaching assistant. One of Barbara’s first assignments as a TA was to make hundreds of agar plates containing several solutions. The agar didn’t gel right.  It was late on Friday and the plates were half-way gelling.  Most TAs would have declared them “good enough” and closed up shop.  Not Barbara.  She got on the internet and found that the agar was not heated sufficiently.  Barbara spent all weekend redoing them.  The lab was more successful than it had been in years.  There were many instances where almost right was not nearly good enough for Barbara. Barbara teaches the socks off her Bio 105 students.  As we all know, non majors are difficult to teach:  they don’t want to be there.  Barbara rewards effort and interest and never gives in to the whiners. Barbara mixes super organization with fast paced, interesting content and a dash of humor.  Her sense of fair play and her dedication to the hard-working students is legend among the other TAs.
Teaching Philosophy: As a teacher, I am continually learning new ways to teach my students about biology.  I love sharing with my students my love of biology and I try to impress upon them why we study the natural world and what information it provides us with as a result.  I feel it is important to be honest and approachable as an instructor.  I encourage students to ask questions and if I don’t know the answer to a question, we find it together and we both learn something in the process.  Instructing non-majors presented a different mode of teaching and as a result, I molded my lessons to what they would identify with and what information they should retain (for more than just a week).  I enjoy interacting with students from every discipline, and relating what they learn to their future, in both their career and life.  As long as they understand the lessons and get the point of the lab, I have done what I set out to accomplish. 

 

2006 Recipients


sara althof
Sara Althof was nominated for teaching Introduction to Physical Geography, which includes laboratories dealing with topics including hurricane hazards, beach erosion and vegetation and soil patterns of the Coastal Plain. Her broad interests in the biological, environmental and marine sciences make her well-suited to teach this lab. Sara brought exceptional preparation, professionalism and enthusiasm to her teaching assignment. She was always well-prepared, very well-informed, and always willing to answer questions. Teaching Philosophy: When a student can identify with something familiar, the student is more likely to understand and retain the information.  Consequently, I exploit every opportunity to use real-world and local examples to illustrate laboratory concepts.  As an instructor, I feel it is important to be candid, honest, and human.  When I teach, I encourage students to ask questions, and if I do not know the answer, we research the question and find the answer together.  Lastly, I think that an instructor must be firm with grading, but compassionate. 

 

Gwen Shaughnessy was nominated for her professional and enthusiastic teaching of General Chemistry labs. Gwen has a strong passion for teaching that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. She has taught in outreach programs for local aquariums as well as coached swimming classes for high school students. She is a team player and volunteers for extra duty without hesitation. Gwen is a perfectionist who comes to lab fully prepared with an understanding of the labs far beyond what is required. Teaching Philosophy: First and foremost, displaying consistent enthusiasm for the subject material engages students in the learning process. I strive to be flexible and adaptable to different situations and learning styles. A single way of demonstrating a technique or solving problems may not be comprehensible to all my students. I try to relate chemistry to everyday examples; sometimes my students think my examples are silly and they get a good laugh, but they do end up understanding the material. As long as they get it, I have done my job well.

Brooke Stuercke’s letter of nomination states that her knowledge of both botany and phycology has made her a valuable instructor in the Plant Biology labs. Brooke has created new interest in plants for students who are generally not enthusiastic about botany. She is highly organized in her teaching plans. Brooke exemplifies the high standard of teaching for which UNCW is well known.
Teaching Philosophy: My teaching philosophy is still evolving because I am still evolving as a teacher. Teaching to me means listening to students and providing them with a base of knowledge to build upon. Teaching is important to me because each person has the ability to do wonderful things and without the power of knowledge these potentials may not be reached. I believe that passing on knowledge is one of the greatest gifts one can give. Teaching is an opportunity to share more than a syllabus. Teaching is an opportunity to share a part of myself, a chance to make abstract things concrete, to make the impossible obtainable, and to do it in a way that grows exponentially with every new student I reach.


 

2005 Recipients
(first year of award)

J. Brooke Landry was nominated for her work in teaching the lab for BIO 366 Ecology. Brooke was called a “Model TA” by her supervisor. She contributes beyond her own responsibilities. She is always extremely well prepared, pleasant and professional. Brooke is exceptionally even-handed and sensible in all her dealings with people. Advice from Brooke to other TAs: Be honest with your students. If you don’t know the answer to the question, commend the student for asking a challenging question, and then go find out the answer.

Chris Thornburg was nominated for his work in BIO 425 – Microbiology, the highest level course taught by a graduate student. Chris has assumed responsibility for all aspects of preparing and teaching this lab. In order to teach this lab, Chris had to prepare approximately 50 different live bacterial cultures including potential pathogens often weeks in advance of the lab, which required preparation of hundreds of tubes and plates using a multitude of media. Chris has made this lab more efficient, safer and more student friendly. Chris is an excellent teacher, very demanding but well liked and respected by students. His organizational skills are fantastic. He was called a “once in a lifetime TA” by his supervisor. Advice from Chris to other TAs: Challenge your students to think outside the classroom beyond grades. Challenge your students to use their creativity to solve scientific questions.

Byron Toothman was nominated for his work teaching labs for BIO 204 Principles of Biology, a course where students are often deciding if biology will be their major. Byron’s teaching combines enthusiasm for science with his desire to have students learn, while continually challenging them. He exhibits great patience and perseverance in the classroom. His supervisor commented: “I am grateful for Byron’s maturity and conscientiousness in his interactions with students. He has shown the intelligence and commitment to try new teaching methods, assess whether they are effective, and modify them as needed. Byron’s development as a teacher exemplifies what should occur over the course of the graduate teaching experience.” Advice from Byron to other TAs: Be approachable and involved with your students. Make the students feel welcome whenever they come by with questions.
 


 

CMS Scholastic Achievement Award

Award recipients have attained the highest grade point average after the first year of study while taking at least 12 credit hours per semester.
 

2009 Recipients


Nadya Mamoozadeh
Advice from Nadya to new students:
Stay on top of things as you learn them in class, and don't put off material that requires more thinking until later to fully understand it. Read up on material that relates to the field of research your project will be focused on, start with concepts that you understand and gradually build off of that. I thought it was helpful to schedule my core classes mostly to be during the semester of the comprehensive written exams for Marine Science students, that way the material is more fresh in your mind when you are preparing for them. Also remember that the faculty are there to help guide you as a future professional in the field, so don't overlook their experienced advice. While you're going to have to put a lot of time into your classes and research, don't forget to also enjoy what's around you!


Andria Salas
Advice from Andria to new students:
 It is assumed that if you are entering a program to get a Master of Science degree in marine science you must have some motivating factor to make you want to study the ocean for the next two years of your life.  I can guarantee you that this desire to learn about the ocean will be fulfilled.  The core classes you will take are delightfully connected to one another; you will find that what you learn in one will be able to be applied to the others.  As such, take the time to really learn the material so that you can find these connections and build a working model in your mind of the how the ocean functions.  This education can be especially cultivated by studying at the beach!  Look out at the ocean from the shore or a surfboard and ask yourself questions about the dynamics even just offshore. What is the primary productivity and why? What might the currents be considering the wind that day?  It is truly fun to learn about the oceans while in such proximity to the Atlantic itself.  It must also be said that it is imperative to get started on your research early, so you must be able to balance both your classes and the developing and implementation of your research ideas.  But remember, this balance also includes finding time to relax and enjoy the location of UNCW!

 

2008 Recipients

Joann Kelly
Advice from Joann to new students
: Try to get the majority of your classes completed during your first year. I recommend studying and learning the material on your own before you attend a study group with other students because it will be more productive if you already have some questions. Also, it is definitely helpful to go to your professor's office hours whenever you have any questions-they want to help you. I know it's cliche, but begin studying for your tests in advance and don't wait until the last minute. It's beneficial to learn the material as you go along and review it several times during the weeks before the test to ensure that you really know it well. Of course, relax and take time to go the beach!

Avery O. Tatters
Advice from Avery to new students:
Take the time to learn about your new home.  This includes the lab and for some, the campus and Wilmington in general.  In your first year, challenge yourself to learn as much as you possibly can about the focus of your lab and your potential research topic(s).  Interact with and get to know professors from various disciplines because they will be valuable resources.  Pay attention, not only to your schoolwork, but to the scientific literature you need to become familiar with.  This will help lay the groundwork for a successful graduate experience at UNCW. 

 

2007 Recipients

 

danelle lekan
Danelle Lekan

Advice from Danelle to new students: Start research in the lab early in the school year and choose classes that will apply to your research. Being able to apply theories and/or techniques from class to your own research is exciting and motivating. I also suggest becoming involved in student organizations, where you can share knowledge with other grad students and undergrads. Go out and enjoy the ocean and beach; it clears your mind and really allows you appreciate our field of study.

 

 

katherine sullivan
Katherine Sullivan

Advice from Kate to new students: I recommend getting to know your fellow students; they will quickly become people you can learn with and let off steam with. Get started as soon as you can on your research and try to finish most of your classes in the first year.  In your lab, seek out students in their second or third year and get as much advice from them as you can.  Wilmington is a great town and don't forget to take the time to enjoy it.  Graduate school enables you to be flexible in a way that is rarely found in the job world so live it up while you can!

 

 

laura truxal
Laura Truxal

Advice from Laura to new students:  Get to know the other students in your program, as it always helps to have someone to discuss classes with or study with.  Also, get to know your professors.  They are always willing to help and answer questions whenever possible!  I recommend taking most of your classes in your first year so you can focus on your research in your second year.  If possible, try to work in lab a little the first year so you can get used to how everything works and feel comfortable when it comes times to start your research.  And finally, make sure to balance studying with time at the beach!

 

 

2006 Recipients

 

barbara jacobson
Barbara Jacobson
Advice from Barbara to new students: 
Ensure that you are not exceeding your own limitations.  You need to be able to balance your priorities between work, fun and school.  Any time that you can study with other people really helps. My study group normally consisted of those people that came into the program with me as we were all in the same core classes, so make sure that you talk with others in your classes and coordinate study times. 


sarah manley
Sarah Manley

Advice from Sarah to new students: Get classes done as soon as you can so you don't have to stress and you can focus on research.  Get to know your classmates, because they are great people and will be a great resource to you!  Try to have a life outside of work. :)  There are plenty of fun things to do around here!

 

 

2005 Recipient
(first year of award)


Gwendolyn Shaughnessy
Advice from Gwen to other students: The secret to my success has been perfecting the art of a balancing act.  I really strived to have extracurricular activities so that I didn't get bogged down in all the studying.  I find that if I have time to let my mind relax, it is better able to absorb information.  Plus, any chance you can study on your own and in a group setting helps.  Overall, I would say that I worked hard and played hard. 

 


last updated: 1/2/07