2025 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.
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Spencer Barnes
Associate Professor, Journalism and Media
“His extensive knowledge of visual communication is matched by his enthusiasm, making each lecture an immersive and thought-provoking experience. He goes beyond simply teaching technical skills—he instills an appreciation for the power of design in storytelling in his students, encouraging them to think critically about the messages they create.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Marcos Echevarria Eirea
Teaching Assistant, Political Science
“His passion for comparative politics has sparked my interest in political science and motivated me to explore international relations while I pursue a pre-business track. I am grateful for how his generosity and dedication have influenced my love of learning, and I know he will continue to encourage and inspire future students.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Dr. Helyne Frederick
Clinical Professor, Education
“Dr. Frederick is truly a phenomenal professor and mentor. She has provided me with the support and opportunity that has given me confidence to pursue medicine and take the lessons I have learned out into the world when I graduate from Carolina this May.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Jennifer Harmon
Associate Professor, Dental Hygiene
“Throughout my time in her class, she has shown what it means to truly care about her students’ success, both academically and personally. Her teaching is thoughtful, engaging, and compassionate, and she consistently goes above and beyond to create a positive learning environment.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Mercy Jesudoss
Teaching Assistant, Nursing
“In every way, Mercy embodies the qualities of an exceptional teaching assistant. Her commitment to student success, her passion for teaching, and her ability to create a welcoming, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment have left a lasting impact on our entire cohort.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Rene Marzuk
Teaching Fellow, English and Comparative Literature
“His teaching approach was both innovative and highly effective, blending creativity with academic rigor. Beyond his teaching, he fostered a dynamic intellectual environment where all students felt heard and respected. He provided personalized feedback and support that positively impacted each student’s growth as a writer and thinker.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Wayne Gerard McDonnell, Jr.
Teaching Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sport Science
“Regardless of who you are, Professor McDonell takes the time to get to know you and remind you that what you think matters, that you matter. He is creating future sports business leaders by holding us to the standards expected of us in the industry.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Connor Catherine McMahon
Teaching Assistant Professor, Computer Science
“One of the things that makes Cece truly stand out is how deeply she cares about her students, both in and out of the classroom. Whether it’s staying after class to clarify a difficult topic, helping students navigate their academic goals, or just checking in to make sure they’re doing okay, she makes every student feel valued.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Kristin Ondrak
Teaching Associate Professor, Exercise and Sport Science
“Her compassion for her students and will for them to maximize their success was abundantly evident every single day I stepped into her classroom. Dr. Ondrak continually has her students’ best interest at heart and pushes each and every one of them to pursue their passions and excellence both in and outside of the classroom.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Gregory Dylan Russell
Director of Lead for NC, UNC School of Government
“Dylan Russell embodies the highest standards of undergraduate teaching excellence. Through his commitment to experiential learning, mentorship, career preparation, and fostering an inclusive and dynamic classroom, he inspires students to pursue meaningful careers in public service.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Sami Ryan Yousif
Assistant Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience
“Dr. Yousif’s ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm has sparked my interest in topics I had not previously considered, deepening my appreciation for the subjects he studies. By incorporating tangible examples and fostering engaging discussions—especially during our weekly lab meetings—he encourages critical thinking and inspires students to push the boundaries of their understanding.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Mary Katherine “Kate” Palmer
Senior Program Officer for Community Engagement, Carolina Center for Public Service and APPLES
“Kate’s dedication to undergraduate students is unparalleled. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to create meaningful opportunities, advocate for students, and support our growth. Whether it’s ensuring equitable access to service experiences, mentoring students through leadership roles, or simply being a trusted confidant, she is deeply invested in every student’s success.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Brett Phillips
Clinical Research Program Manager, Hematology
“More than a manager, Brett is a mentor—consistently approachable, patient, and dedicated to our success. His attention to detail and ability to instill confidence have been invaluable. He consistently provides thoughtful feedback, encouraging my independence while supporting my growth as a professional.”
Student Undergraduate Teaching and Staff Awards
Recipient: Sarah G. Smith
Assistant Director of Civic Engagement, UNC Y
“Sarah is an excellent mentor, supervisor, and leader who is passionate about creating sustainable opportunities for students to engage in civic engagement and thrive overall. Sarah is an exceptional human and has become my role model and standard for mentors and supervisors I seek in the future.”