Sophia Kirn, graduate student, received the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies' Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award, which recognizes a graduate teaching assistant who excels as an instructor in undergraduate classes. Kirn received the award for her work as instructor of record for Biology 1203 (Biology in Society Laboratory) and 1802 (Biological Concepts II).
A nominator wrote wbout Kirn, "Sophia's style of teaching matches her helpful nature. She brings a positive supportive, can-do attitude. She understands that an aspect of teaching is being a mentor. She provides encouragement, support, helpful hints, and an open air of communication. She is observant, ever-aware of where the lab materials are housed, the best specimen/examples for showing her students and any issues that may be present. She is fairly self-sufficient, so if a problem does arise, it rarely requires external help or intervention, but she also brings the appropriate concerns along to her supervisors when the need arises. I greatly appreciate Sophia's grounded and well-balanced nature in her teaching and management of her students. She is kind and fun, but also always the sonsummate professional."
Another nominatore elaborated on Sophia's instructional skills, writing, "She relates well to her students and is always coming up with creative ways to engage her classes. She develops interactive activities such as poll questions, group work, and discussions to help her students stay focused for the two-hour class period. Sophia truly cares about her students. She will go out of her way to meet them during office hours, check in with them, respond to their emails, and leave them helpful feedback on their assignments. Students will often comment how approachable, kind and well-prepared Sophia is as an instructor."
Kirn's was advised by Dr. Steven W. Seagle.
