LAS announces teaching and advising award winners
The College of LAS has selected 16 professors, graduate students, lecturers, and advisors as the recipients of the 2025 teaching and advising rewards.
"We are honored and fortunate to have so many amazing teachers and advisors in the College of LAS,” said Venetria K. Patton, the Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “From long-time professors and advisors to teaching assistants new to their jobs, this year’s award recipients represent the best in instruction and helping students navigate college life.”
The awardees will be honored at a ceremony in April. Descriptions of the recipients follow:
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Phil Anderson, Department of Evolution, Ecology, & Behavior. Anderson is known in his department for excelling at teaching essential courses such as anatomy and physical principles of biology. “ (Professor Anderson’s) exemplary mentorship, guidance, and support … helped me become the researcher I am today,” wrote an alum who graduated in 2019.
Stephanie Ceman, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology. Ceman teaches MCB 474 and is the advisor for the Pre-Genetic Counseling Club. “(Professor Ceman) has been one of the most supportive figures I have interacted with at the university and continues to support me since having completed her course two semesters ago,” wrote an alum and former club member.
Nathan Dunfield, Department of Mathematics. Dunfield teaches a range of concepts including Math 241, the mathematics course with the largest enrollment. “Professor Dunfield is the best professor I have ever had. The amount of planning put into the lectures, created a symphonic harmony between the intuition, theorems, proofs, examples that created the most information rich yet inexplicable clairvoyant lectures I have ever experienced,” wrote one student.
Jamie Jones, Department of English. Jones’ teaching in her courses such as ENGL 250, 225, 200, 396, and 477 has stuck with many alumni who report that her teaching impacted their lives during and after college. “Jamie’s classes always felt empowering, joyful, and rigorous, helping us learn more than we knew we were capable of,” wrote a 2015 graduate.
Leslie Looney, Department of Astronomy. Over the past 22 years, Looney has made the list of excellent teachers 22 times and taught a large number of courses to accommodate high student demand. “Professor Looney is a campus gem. His dedication to undergraduate teaching, and the impact it has had on many cohorts of students across campus, can hardly be overstated,” wrote his colleagues.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Katherine Bunsold, Department of Communication. Bunsold has instructed several introductory communications courses and is known for her engaging lectures, especially in CMN 375 Popular Media. “Her positivity, eagerness, and depth of knowledge ignited a passion within the classroom, making attending lectures a truly enriching experience,” said an alum who graduated in 2024.
Sara Castro-Cantú, Department of Spanish & Portuguese. Castro-Cantú has taught a range of Spanish courses from introductory to advanced. Her teaching methods have been described as creative, interactive, and intellectually challenging. “Ms. Cantú’s passion for teaching has helped me reinforce my decision on becoming a Spanish teacher,” wrote a former student.
Gyudae Kim, Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science. Kim has instructed several courses looking at a range of social and environmental issues. His students say he makes his classes accessible for everyone. “He fosters an environment where students feel heard, respected, and motivated to engage deeply with course material,” wrote an alum who graduated in 2024.
Maddy Ritter, Department of Mathematics. Ritter has taught finite mathematics and precalculus and calculus for the Merit Program. Her students report that Ritter is passionate and encouraging in her teaching. “Ms. Ritter had a way of making every student feel valued,” said a former student who was inspired by Ritter to become a teaching assistant.
Vijay Shah, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Shah is praised by his peers for his teaching effectiveness and his incorporation of green chemistry into the chemical engineering curriculum. “He deeply cares about his students' learning, is passionate about the topics he teaches, and demonstrates commitment to his class beyond anything I’ve seen,” wrote an alum who graduated in 2024.
Cihang Wang, Department of Economics. Wang has lead classes in a range of economic topics, including international trade. Her students noted that her lectures are engaging because of her ability to connect concepts to real-world issues. “What stood out most was her ability to make complex topics accessible to students from all academic backgrounds,” said an alum who graduated in 2024.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for Instructional Staff
Simona Buetti, Department of Psychology. In addition to teaching PSYC 230 and 355, Buetti has made innovative strides in course accessibility, creating online and hybrid sections. “(Research associate professor) Buetti is not only responsible and caring, but also deeply committed to helping her students succeed. She always encourages us to reach our fullest potential,” wrote an alum who graduated in 2024.
Mary Cottingham, Department of English. The senior instructor has been described as the veritable backbone of the freshman writing program as she has guided more than 65 sections of the required RHET 105. “It is clear that in all her dealings with students, whether in the classroom, in office hours, or in tutorials, Mary Rose builds relationships of trust and mutual respect that endure long after those students have moved on,” wrote a colleague.
Eman Saadah, Department of Linguistics. The teaching associate professor has become known for dedication that transcends the classroom as she organizes cooking classes, conversation sessions, and other co-curricular activities. “She emphasizes the importance of considering diverse cultural contexts when learning a language, encouraging students to engage with different viewpoints and perspectives,” wrote a student who graduated in 2020.
Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Kari Hutjens, Department of Economics. As a senior academic advisor and coordinator of the New Student Program in Economics, Hutjens manages registration day for new students and works as a counselor and certified LGBTQ+ ally, Disability Program ally, and undocumented students ally. “Her guidance is what continues to motivate me to do better for myself and those around me, following my passions with unwavering confidence and authenticity, just as Kari exemplifies in her role and career,” wrote an alum who graduated in 2024.
Kristy Valentin, Student Academic Affairs Office. The senior director of the Access and Achievement Program is known for her empathy and understanding. Valentin has been a driving force in the development of her office. “She has a very special gift for making all students, especially those who feel lost, on the verge of giving up, feel seen, supported, and valued,” wrote a colleague.
