2008 Outstanding University Teacher Award Winner Category I
Lisa Szczepura, Ph.D.
- Ph.D. in Chemistry from State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo (1994)
- Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry
Teaching philosophy
Keep an open mind, embrace diversity and facilitate active learning.
Most important influence on my teaching career
My graduate advisor, Professor Kenneth Takeuchi. He was an excellent teacher and mentor. I have tried to emulate his teaching style in the classroom and in the research laboratory, and I am constantly trying to motivate students to strive for excellence as well as inspire them to work towards making the world a better place, as he did.
Most rewarding aspect of teaching
Teaching freshmen and working with students one-on-one. I enjoy interacting with freshmen because they are new to the university experience and have so much potential. I also enjoy working with students one-on-one in office hours and in the research laboratory; it is rewarding to see these students grasp difficult concepts and to see their self-esteem grow in the process.
Most challenging aspect of teaching
Adapting to new teaching technologies.
Teaching accomplishment I am proudest about
The Enrichment Workshop Program, aimed at improving the success rate of underrepresented students in the sciences. Funding for this program came from the National Science Foundation (early CAREER Award). This two-semester program for incoming freshmen was offered for four years and we have shown that it has had a positive impact on the participants’ academic careers.
