Distinguished Honors Faculty Award

Professor Bement’s Departmental Webpage. 

One student described Professor Bement’s capacity to maintain an engaging learning environment despite this year’s challenges. The student wrote, “[Professor Bement] made a topic that I didn’t think I would enjoy very fun by being super upbeat and engaging. He made the transition to this new [way of] learning absolutely wonderful! I found he deeply cared about all of the students and is very friendly and approachable!”

Professor Britland’s Departmental Webpage

One student highlighted the lengths to which Professor Britland went when she was under stress. The student wrote, “One day, I was crying in my English class. I sat in the corner so that no classmate would notice me, […] but Professor Britland did. She stopped me before I was able to leave the lecture [and] took the time to get to know my situation. […] She always took the time for us to figure out a plan.” The student then concluded, “I am not one to fill out forms like this but Professor Britland is truly deserving of some recognition. She is kind-hearted, compassionate, [and] absolutely hilarious.”

Professor Ortiz-Robles’ Departmental Webpage

One student called attention to the impact Professor Ortiz-Robles had on their undergraduate path. That student shared that “[Professor Ortiz-Robles] was open and incredibly helpful, guiding me to the Honors Program in the English department. He encouraged me to take some of his courses, which I did, and eventually, he supported my Senior Honors Thesis in animal studies. I have been surprised at every turn how supportive and willing he is to help me [with] my projects. He has truly gone above and beyond to improve my undergraduate experience. He is deserving of this honor and many others.”

Professor Gao’s Departmental Webpage

One student underscored the appreciation and emphasis Professor Gao places on undergraduate education. The student shared that “Professor Gao is hands down the most caring and passionate professor I have had. Even though I was an undergraduate over the two years I spent [in] his courses, he did not treat me differently compared to his graduate students. Rather, he encouraged me to share my ideas and to have critical discussions with all his students in and out of class.”

Professor Iber’s Departmental Webpage

One student emphasized the impact Professor Iber’s course had on encouraging personal intellectual and social growth. That student noted that “my experience in History 242: Modern Latin America with Professor Patrick Iber this last fall further taught me the importance of challenging my personal beliefs and worldview through rigorous debate and understanding of new perspectives. While initially taking HIS 242 to fulfill the geography breadth requirement in pursuit of a degree in history, my experience with Professor Iber quickly became hugely impactful.”

Professor Chawla’s Departmental Webpage

One student stressed the advising role Professor Chawla has played in their undergraduate career, beyond serving as an instructor. That student shared that “[Professor Chawla] has been an amazing academic advisor [for] me. Conducting research on theoretical computer science is hard for undergraduate students, however, she has been there to guide me every step of the way.” The student then wrote, “[my] interest in this area of research has only grown since I started working with her. Notably, with her as my advisor, I received a Welton Summer Sophomore Research Apprenticeship Grant, an Honors Summer Senior Thesis Research Grant, and a Trewartha Senior Honors Thesis Research Award. […] In all, Professor Chawla excels at helping students and I will never be where I am today without her help.”

Professor Austerweil’s Departmental Webpage

One student highlighted Professor Austerweil’s “dedication to providing students with a challenging yet rewarding research experience” and noted how important his help was “throughout the entire graduate school application process.” During this time, he “made sure not only to provide practical advice on finding programs and building a competitive application but also took the time to talk with me about how I was handling the process emotionally.”

Professor Bendlin’s Departmental Webpage

One student remarked that working in Professor Bendlin’s lab for over three years was “undoubtedly the best experience of my undergraduate years.” The student continued, “I look forward to starting my senior thesis under her advisement this coming fall. I cannot imagine a faculty member more deserving of this honor.”

Professor Brunold’s Departmental Webpage

One student shared that “[Professor Brunold] has been extremely engaging during class time allowing for a deeper connection than found in a traditional lecture setting.” The student went on to comment that “Professor Brunold has been one of the best professors I have had during my undergraduate experience. He has not only expanded my knowledge of inorganic chemistry but also helped me develop a greater passion for the subject.”

Professor Fletcher’s Departmental Webpage

One student shared that “[Professor] Fletcher was invaluable during my time applying to Ph.D. programs in philosophy. She continued, even after my thesis was done, to give me advice about places to apply, programs I may be interested in attending, all while reading and commenting on multiple drafts of my writing sample for graduate studies. [Professor] Fletcher continually went above and beyond […]; she selflessly helped me in my pursuit of my own goals.”

Professor Whiting’s Departmental Webpage

One student wrote, “I never pushed myself in high school and I expected to do the same in college, but [Professor] Whiting inspired me to push my intellectual limits.” The degree to which Professor Whiting inspired and encouraged the student to take on extra challenges, including writing a Senior Honors Thesis, was most noted as being particularly significant.