The College of Science Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize and reward outstanding NU College of Science faculty for their significant contributions to student learning. We are pleased to announce this year’s winners.
Prof. Jude Mathews, Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Prof. Mathews was recognized for consistently exceptional teaching performance, extraordinary dedication to guiding large numbers of students to success, and innovation in course design and deployment.
Dr. Mathews teaches introductory organic chemistry to about 1000 students per academic year and does so with remarkable ease and effectiveness. Her commitment to excellence is exemplified in her students’ profound appreciation of her accessibility and attentiveness to their individual journeys. Students remark on her deep knowledge of the subject, clarity in communication, and ability to bring organic chemistry to life. Professor Mathews has continued to challenge her students and provided comfort outside the classroom.
In addition to Organic Chemistry, Dr. Mathews teaches a laboratory-intensive upper-level organic synthesis course. She also designed and has taught a popular honors inquiry course, The Chemistry of Food and Cooking, along with an innovative demonstration lab.
Prof. Richard Bailey, Professor, Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences
Prof. Bailey was recognized for sustained outstanding and effective teaching, the energy and passion that he brings to the classroom, and his ability to inspire his students to see the earth anew and extend their newly acquired insight about nature beyond the classroom.
Dr. Bailey, a self-described “guide and interpreter of Earth history and the natural world”, teaches two introductory courses and three upper-level courses on natural systems and processes. Dr. Bailey’s dedication to experiential learning is exemplified in the large number of extended domestic and international field explorations that he leads.
Students praise Dr. Bailey’s deep knowledge, enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge, accessibility, and ability to inspire their curiosity. He is beloved by both his students and community of Marine and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Bailey serves as faculty advisor and mentor to students in Marine and Environmental Sciences and to the Terra Society.
Prof. Missy McElligott, Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Biology
Prof. McElligott was recognized for sustained outstanding teaching performance, impactful use of evidence-based teaching approaches, and contributions, through curriculum development, to the educational mission of the College. Dr. McElligott developed and teaches two courses, Foundations of Biology and Inquires in Biological Sciences, the latter of which is now a multi-section course.
She was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the highly successful Biology Project Lab, which introduces students to research laboratory practicesStudents praise Dr. McElligott’s deep knowledge of the subject, passion for teaching, and effective use of research-backed practices, including service-learning, that enhance student engagement.
Dr. McElligott serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Biology.
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Nominations for the 2022 Teaching Awards can be submitted at any time before December 1, 2021. Use this link to nominate cos.nu/teachingaward. Complete information about the awards can be found here.
