The College recognizes five exceptional TAs with 2018 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards.
Each year, the College of Biological Sciences recognizes teaching assistants who have demonstrated excellence in teaching or other instructional activities that enhance the educational experience. This year's recipients include:
Josie Griffin
Ecology Evolution and Behavior graduate student
Teaching assistant in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior 3409
“She made the extra effort to ensure that any student her aid would be able to do so even if the student was unable to meet with her during designated office hours. … I can say with confidence that very few individuals have been as dedicated, caring and intelligent in their field of experience as Josie Griffin.” - student nominator
Amanda Hayward
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics graduate student
Teaching assistant in Biochemistry 4025W
“Amanda was the best TA I’ve ever had. She was very effective at teaching things we were struggling with. ... She tailored her help to the needs of the individual she was helping. She was awesome.” - student nominator.
Justin Oakland
Genetics, Cell Biology and Development undergraduate student
Teaching assistant in Biology 2005
“Just is an amazing TA who presents the class material in a crystal-clear format. He is very easy going, entertaining and is highly educated in the material the class teaches.” - student nominator
John Rohde
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics graduate student
Teaching assistant in Biochemistry 4521
“It is very apparent that he takes quite a large chunk of time out of his busy schedule to put together thorough and enlightening review sessions. ... I have been here for three-and-a-half years and have taken about 160 credits worth of courses, but have never come across a teaching assistant as conscious or patient as John.” - student nominator
Kelly Wallin
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics graduate student
Teaching assistant in Biochemistry 4331
“Never in the past five semesters have I ever met a more dedicated and caring TA. I was shocked to find her very approachable and even more so that every little question, every little detail we asked her, she answered to the best of her ability.” - student nominator
The nomination committee chose this group of teaching assistants based on letters of recommendation put forward by faculty, students and staff. TA award winners will be honored at a reception before the College's undergraduate commencement ceremony May 12.