The 2021-2022 Dean’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant Prize for the best performance by a BSD graduate student who is TAing in fulfillment of the Divisional Teaching Requirement was awarded to both Amruta Nayak and Rob Rodriguez, both from the graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology. Rob Rodriguez is a fourth year student in the program in Cell and Molecular Biology. He receives the prize in recognition of his teaching assistantship in MGCB 31400, Genetic Analysis of Model Organisms. The course director, Doug Bishop, noted that “Rob was exceptionally helpful and proactive in helping keep the class organized.” Student comments noted “Really friendly and approachable and helped me so much with studying the class material and working on problem sets. Really clear at explaining. Maintained an encouraging and engaging environment at his office hours. Really knowledgeable at course content.” Another student noted that he was “not condescending when answering questions.” Multiple students noted he would extend office hours when needed during particularly busy/stressful times, as well as noting “He was also really accessible by email outside of class hours, and was always willing to explain as much content as necessary to make sure we understood course content.”
Robert Rodriguez Awarded Dean’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant Prize