The Department of Physics recognizes the importance of teaching assistants to its mission and selects an outstanding graduate TA for special recognition each year. The recipient receives an award of $500 and a certificate. The award is made near the end of the spring term.

Eligibility

All graduate students who serve as teaching assistants in a physics course during the academic year are eligible for the award, except for the previous year's recipient, who serves on the selection committee with faculty members.

Criteria

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award recognizes excellence in the ability of a graduate Teaching Assistant to convey physics concepts and analytical and laboratory skills effectively to students, mastery of physics subject matter and engagement in professional development activities that foster excellence in graduate teaching.

Timeline

A web-based survey of students is conducted during the first four weeks of spring term. The finalists are announced in the 5th week of spring term, and application portfolios are due to the Graduate Coordinator/main office by 4 p.m. on the Friday of the 8th week of term. The award is announced at the picnic at the end of spring term.

Previous awards

2022-2023

Evan Lambertson

2021–2022

Christian Solorio

2020–2021

Maggie Greenwood & Brenden Greenwood

2019–2020

Pedram Esfahani

2018–2019

MacKenzie Lenz

2017–2018

Michael Vignal

2016–2017

Carly Fengel

2015–2016

Jay Howard

2014–2015

Zachary Thompson

2013–2014

Christopher Jones

2012–2013

Daniel Gruss
Andrew Stickel

2011–2012

Lee Aspitarte

2010–2011

Lin Li

2009–2010

Joshua Russell

2008–2009

Zlatko Dimcovic

2007–2008

KC Walsh

2006–2007

Matthew Neel
Vincent Rossi