On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Department of Chemistry honored the 2025 James W. Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award winner and 14 winners of the Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award.
The ceremony held in the Learning Studio spotlighted Amanda Buchberger Jones as this year’s winner of the James W. Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing outstanding teaching by teaching assistants, with nominations evaluated based on inclusion, equity, student support, effective and evidence-based teaching practices; and innovation and adaptability.
In 2002, the Pharmacia Corporation endowed the Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award in honor of Professor Emeritus James Taylor. Before 2002, the Excellence in Teaching Award was supported by Celanese, Hoechst-Celanese, Pharmacia, and Pharmacia-Upjohn.
The Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Awards are voted on by the Teaching Assistant Award Team and chosen for a demonstrated high level of excellence and commitment in their teaching assistant roles for multiple semesters (single course or multiple courses). Awardees have displayed excellence in at least one of the following areas:
- Direct instruction in the classroom, laboratory, and office hours.
- Curriculum development and chemistry education.
- Assisting course instructors, coordinators, and laboratory directors.
- Mentorship and training.
Winners of the 2025 Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Awards are:
Cristina Gonzales
Many thanks to our Teaching Assistant Award Team which includes Mary Beth Anzovino, Stephen Block, Thomas Brunold, Amanda Buchberger Jones, Pam Doolittle, Brian Esselman, Lea Gustin, Nick Hill, Liana Lamont, Jackie Trate, Jeremy Weaver, Mark Wendt, and Chad Wilkinson.
In 2002, the Pharmacia Corporation endowed the Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award in honor of Professor Emeritus James Taylor. Before 2002, the Excellence in Teaching Award was supported by Celanese, Hoechst-Celanese, Pharmacia, and Pharmacia-Upjohn.