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.
2007 Recipients
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 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 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 nominatedfor 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 wasnominated 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 workteaching 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.
2007 Recipients
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
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
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 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.
Barbara 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Danelle
Lekan
Katherine
Sullivan
Laura
Truxal
Barbara Jacobson
Sarah Manley