2023 Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
By student body referendum in 1989 and initiation of a special student fee, the Student Undergraduate Teaching Awards were established to recognize outstanding undergraduate instruction by both faculty and teaching assistants. In 2004, an addendum to the referendum established a staff award to recognize a staff member’s specific contributions to the undergraduate experience at Carolina. A committee comprised of students reviewed the teaching nominations on the basis of demonstrated and consistent teaching excellence, success in positively affecting a broad spectrum of students both in and outside the classroom and creation of a dynamic learning environment. The staff award nominations were reviewed on the basis of demonstrated excellence in service, dedication to undergraduate students, and in positively affecting a broad spectrum of Carolina undergraduate students. Winners receive a certificate and a monetary award.
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Deb Aikat
Associate Professor, Journalism, and Media
“Anyone who takes his class or just observes his class can see that he cares so much about his students. His infectious energy and humor always fuel the class, creating such a positive learning environment. He always wants the best for his students.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Joshua E. Beaver
Teaching Assistant Professor, Chemistry
“He reminded me of what I could do when the going got tough. …I never thought I could do this well in such a challenging class, let alone reach such heights. … At a time when I didn’t believe in myself, he believed in me.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Jonathan Marcus
Teaching Assistant, Geography
“Jonathan worked diligently to help students succeed. …Out of all the classes I have taken during my time at Carolina, I have never encountered a more devoted and passionate teaching assistant.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Theodore Nollert
Teaching Assistant, English and Comparative Literature
“Theo led the best recitation sections I have had since coming to UNC. He challenged us to explore the texts in a way that pushed our understanding while also respecting our differences as students.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Rafael Núñez Rodríguez
Teaching Assistant, Romance Studies
“Rafa saw us not only as students but as HIS students; meaning that he deeply cared not only about our academic success but he created an environment that fostered personal and emotional growth and success as well.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Dr. Laura Ott
Teaching Assistant Professor, Biology
“My first semester was stressful, but Dr. Ott’s constant support helped me not only learn her subject material but learn how to be the best student and person I can be in a college environment.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: B. Kylan Rice
Teaching Assistant, English and Comparative Literature
“He is endlessly generous in sharing the insight he has acquired with others and remarkably kind as a mentor. And, ultimately, he is someone I look up to deeply—someone whose example inspires me, to this day, to be the best poet and person I can be.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Natalie Antenucci
Social Research Assistant, Psychology and Neuroscience
“Natalie consistently works to adapt and take into consideration our opinion in the lab. She has made the environment feel like a family, making me excited to engage and assist at all times.”