2010 Teaching Initiative Award Winner

David “Chris” Grieshaber, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan (1997)
Assistant Professor, Department of Health Sciences (Safety)

Teaching philosophy

To inspire my students to believe they 1) deserve the educational opportunities available to them and 2) have a social responsibility to take full advantage of them.

Most rewarding aspect of teaching

“A-Ha” moments. The look on their faces when something clicks.

Most challenging aspect of teaching

Connecting with students—it’s the best part of what I do, but it is also the most challenging due to the wide range of learners and personalities in my classes.

My motivation to become a professor

Comes from a life full of excellent teachers and a strong desire to contribute to society in meaningful ways as part of my career.

Most important influence in my teaching

I’ve learned a lot in random conversations with my wife. There are shocking similarities between teaching middle-school music education, freshman volleyball, and occupational safety at ISU.

Proudest teaching accomplishment

The students who have taken the time to follow-up with me after they’ve been long gone from ISU to let me know how much they now appreciate what we accomplished together while they were on campus—whether in or out of the classroom.

Best compliment from a student

“I learned a lot in your class.”

photo of David “Chris” Grieshaber, Ph. D. — “I’m a big fan of not reinventing the wheel, so I watch those colleagues whom I think are great teachers and try to pull things into my classroom that I believe would also work well for me.”