2009 Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award Winner- Doctoral II
Ebony Murrell, M.S.
- M.S. in Biology from Illinois State University
- Ph.D. Student in Biology at Illinois State University
Teaching philosophy
Love what you do and convey that enthusiasm to your students.
Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice
- Consistency in the curriculum and quality of the course;
- Application of the material I teach to real-life systems or scenarios;
- A good sense of humor.
Best compliment from a student
That I am a patient teacher. Patience does not come naturally to me, and it is rewarding to hear when my efforts to be patient are successful.
Recommendations for other teachers
Don’t let teaching intimidate you. No teacher is perfect; the best ones are those that try their best, listen to their students, keep improving their curriculum, and never give up.
Proudest teaching accomplishment
Being able to break down difficult concepts into a form that any student—even non-majors—can understand.
Most important influence on teaching
My mother—who was herself a math teacher for 15 years. Not only is she a fantastic teacher, but she has pursued education and has loved seeking knowledge her entire life. It is little wonder that I inherited an enthusiasm for learning from her, as well as a passion for being the very best teacher that I could be.
