2024 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: Kayla Corbin
Teaching Assistant, Communication
“She went well beyond what was asked of her, doing everything in her power to help me succeed. Anyone can take a job as a teacher but not everyone can make a difference. That power lies within her character. Kayla’s work is a testament to who she is as a person.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Anne Dankert
Instructional Assistant, Psychology and Neuroscience
“Her ability to break down complex concepts into compelling, easy-to-digest pieces is exceptional. Whenever I go to her office hours to ask questions or to review past exams, Annie always encourages me to think critically and explore concepts even beyond the scope of class.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Mara Evans
Teaching Associate Professor, Biology
“Dr. Evans came to class and lit up the entire room with her presentations and teaching style. I felt actively engaged with the class activities, with the course content, and I loved the way ecology was presented as a subject that was relevant to us, even if we weren’t out in fields conducting surveys and samples.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Alaina Garland
Teaching Assistant Professor, Biology
“Dr. Garland has consistently demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching by employing innovative and engaging teaching methods. With a profound understanding of the subject matter, Dr. Garland ensures that complex concepts are presented in a way that is accessible to students.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Eric Hastie
Teaching Assistant Professor, Biology
“While STEM courses at UNC are notoriously challenging, Dr. Hastie always made it clear that his students’ success was his priority. I have never had another professor be so open-minded to whatever he thought would help his students to learn.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Bryce W. Hecht
Teaching Assistant, Political Science
“Bryce is clearly very invested in the success and well-being of his students, academically and otherwise. He has gone above and beyond to provide support, guidance, and mentorship to students, ensuring that each student feels valued and understood.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Gary Kayye
Teaching Assistant Professor, Journalism and Media
“Professor Kayye brings a special kind of energy to every class that inspires students to truly be engaged with the course material. He is personable and creative in his lecturing to make the experience collaborative yet informative.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Zachary Yukio Kerr
Associate Professor, Exercise and Sport Science
“Reflecting upon my time at UNC, I realize that no other professor has had such an everlasting impact on my life as Dr. Kerr. His easygoing nature, humility, honesty, and dedication to his students have profoundly shaped my academic journey.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Lindsey Ione Pegram
Teaching Assistant, Environmental Science & Engineering
“Her feedback on assignments is thorough and encouraging, and she is constantly pushing students to be their best selves, academically and personally.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Andromede “Andy” Uwase
Teaching Assistant, Environmental Sciences & Engineering
“She is an important aspect of so many of our lives and has demonstrated a capability above and beyond as a teacher, peer, and friend, which deserves to be recognized.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Taylor N. West
Teaching Assistant, Psychology and Neuroscience
“I absolutely loved her class and it is evident that she has a passion for not only psychology, but also for being an educator and mentor to her students.”
The Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Ellie Birdsong
Project Coordinator & Cohen Lab Manager, Psychology & Neuroscience
“Though academia can seem exclusive, Ellie has made it abundantly clear to all of us through the environment that she has fostered that there is a place in research for all of us, no matter who we are.”