Impact of Giving

Glenn Nurwono

Graduate student, Park/Tang groups

“Receiving the Michael E. Jung Excellence in Teaching Award has helped me see my Ph.D. as much more than research. The Jung’s generosity has shown me that developing as an educator truly matters here. That recognition has encouraged me to keep refining my pedagogy and to pursue teaching opportunities across disciplines, reaching students from Chemistry majors to first-year students encountering science for the very first time. Donors like the Jungs make it possible for Ph.D. students to grow into something bigger than their dissertation, benefiting every student they teach.” 

Tiffany Thai

Undergraduate student, DeWeese group

“Through the Baumgarten Fellowship, I had the opportunity to learn how to design a course and develop surveys to engage deeply in the process of research, teaching, and learning. This experience helped me understand the responsibilities of being an instructor and the level of care, intention, and thoughtful planning required to support students effectively. It also strengthened my ability to adapt and analyze situations in order to improve my approach to student success as a future educator.”

Shelby Vexler

Graduate student, Chen group

“I’m incredibly grateful to the department and donors for the Herbert Newby McCoy Mentorship Award. Not only did this award help financially support my Ph.D., but it highlights our department’s commitment to supporting students through peer mentoring. Thank you to our donors for their continued investment in the IGNITE program, which ensures that no student has to navigate their first year alone.”