COS Names Gustavo Rodriguez-Rivera Top Undergraduate Teacher
04-29-2016
Writer(s): Jesica E. Hollinger
One of CS’s favorite instructors – Gustavo Rodriguez-Rivera was named Top Undergraduate Teacher in the School of Science – selected by College of Science students and awarded by the Purdue Science Student Council for 2015-2016.
Each year, science undergraduate students are polled by the Science Student Council to select a faculty member who has had the greatest impact on science majors through their teaching abilities. Gustavo (as his students address him) said that he has been teaching non-stop since he was in high school.
“I feel teaching is part of who I am," he said. "If you have passion for what you are teaching, the students notice and it makes the classes fun and interesting, motivating students to learn more," he added.
Each spring, the College hosts the Honors Program at the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom. In addition to the Top Undergraduate Teacher, the College also awards two other faculty awards, including Outstanding Contribution to Undergraduate Teaching by an Assistant Professor was presented to Shelley A. Claridge in the Department of Chemistry. Claridge also earned the Exceptional Early Teaching Career Award.
The event also recognizes for their leadership and achievements. Logan Gore, familiar face and active CS student leader, was among the eight seniors who were recognized as Outstanding College of Science Students. The other winners from each class were Levi Starrett (Junior), Jeremy Craven (Sophomore), and Nicole Markley (Freshman).
Senior Science Ambassadors, those who represent the College and the undergraduate experience to prospective students and families, in addition to the Dean’s Leadership Council and the College of Science Alumni Board were also named. Both Anant Goal (CS Honors) and Sean McCullough (CS), were recognized with the Bridging Cultures Award, which is given to students who interact effectively with others in cross-cultural situations and in a global civil society. The award is given to student leaders from the Global Science Partners Program, a program dedicated to helping students become interculturally competent.
Ed Flanagan received the Senior Learning Beyond the Classroom award, which is a certificate program in the College that encourages students to take what they learn in the classroom and labs, then use it in real-world situations like internships, research, and study abroad. Joshua Selbo, was named to the Senior Purdue Science Student Council, which is a group that provides academically oriented service to the students of the College, and provides growth among science students.
Several CS students also were named Senior Science Ambassadors, including Ed Flanagan, Matt Gotteiner, Anthony Natoli, and Bryan Rainey. The ambassadors are a select group of undergraduates who represent the College and the undergraduate experience to prospective students, families, the Dean’s Leadership Council, and the College of Science Alumni Board.