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.
Procedure
Finalists for the award are chosen from the results of an online survey of all students enrolled in physics courses in a particular academic year, and from a similar survey of faculty members. The selection committee asks each finalist to prepare a portfolio that includes
- A CV as it pertains to teaching
- A statement of teaching accomplishments and philosophy, and
- Up to three non-confidential letters of recommendation, of which two must come from university faculty members
The selection committee chooses the award winners based on the portfolio, teaching evaluations and other evaluative materials.
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
