Outstanding TA/RA Awards

Congratulations to this year's CST Outstanding Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant Awardees!

Teaching Awards

For me, one of the most rewarding part of being an instructor/TA is to share with students what I am passionate about in the field of biology. In a field that is filled with constant new discoveries, I’m always excited to share new and interesting information with students, and it brightens up my heart to see students taking interest in and enjoy what they are learning.

Chemistry: Yong Suk Choi

What I liked most about being a TA during my time here at Temple is the way that I have been able to develop effective communication skills. Being able to clearly explain chemistry concepts and make it digestible to my students will be helpful for myself to learn the fundamental basics of the subject. Enabling students to also succeed with their future work by encouraging them with compliments also made the teaching experience very enjoyable.

CIS: Rahad Arman Nabid

I am extremely honored to receive the Outstanding Teaching Award. Teaching is a profession I find both stimulating and gratifying, and I am no exception in this regard. Serving as a teaching assistant provides a unique opportunity to engage closely with undergraduate students and share knowledge with them. My teaching philosophy centers around presenting information in a way that encourages students to delve deeper into the subject matter. Often, courses can be overwhelming, leaving students disinterested in further exploration after completing the final exam. I adhere to the philosophy of creating a comfortable and enthusiastic learning environment, sparking students' curiosity to explore the topic further.

In my role as a teaching assistant for Problem-solving and Python programming, I encountered students from diverse backgrounds who occasionally felt hesitant about programming lessons. I took pleasure in explaining concepts and offering real-life examples that connected their learning to practical problem-solving scenarios. The valuable experience gained while working as a teaching assistant will undoubtedly assist me in crafting future course designs.

Mathematics: Jeongsu Kyeong

Physics: Kisan Khatri

I am truly honored to be the recipient of the "Outstanding TA Award, 2023" in Temple University's Physics department. Since the Fall of 2022, guiding students through the foundational concepts of general physics has been immensely gratifying. My role as a Teaching Assistant (TA) has been incredibly rewarding, providing a platform to engage with students and guide them through their learning journey. The interactive nature of the course has allowed me to create an engaging and collaborative learning environment. I've enjoyed facilitating discussions, conducting hands-on experiments, and witnessing students connect theoretical concepts to real world applications.

The highlights of my teaching experience include the moments when students grasp challenging concepts and express their curiosity for the subject. Collaborating with faculties and fellow TAs, particularly under Prof. John Noel's inspiring guidance, has significantly contributed to my professional development. This wonderful experience has not only enriched my passion for teaching but has also provided valuable insights that I look forward to connecting with in my future endeavors within the field of physics. I am grateful for the opportunities this award has presented, and I am excited about the continued impact on my journey in academia.

Research Awards

Biology: Mary Cortese

Chemistry: Robert Raddi

As a Research Assistant (RA) in the Voelz lab at Temple University, I was privileged to contribute to groundbreaking research within the fields of theoretical chemistry and computational structural biology. My contributions involved enhancing the theoretical framework of an algorithm which accurately reconciles theoretical predictions with experimental data, as well as extending its applications to force field optimization and validation. I believe this work will significantly advance computational molecular science and foster future interdisciplinary research.

Receiving the Outstanding RA Award is an honor that extends beyond my individual contributions, as it reflects the collective excellence of the Voelz lab and the Temple University chemistry department.

CIS: Nadia Niknami

Mathematics: Nour Khoudari

As an applied mathematician working on traffic flow, I delve into the development and application of mathematical models to tackle complex challenges in traffic control, traffic wave phenomena, and energy efficiency optimization. The richness of my RA experience at Temple extended beyond theoretical frameworks, allowing me to witness firsthand the tangible impact of my research on real-world scenarios. I participated in traffic experiments testing the effects of Autonomous vehicles on real highways, which deviates from the conventional role of a mathematician.

What I particularly enjoyed was the collaborative nature of the work. Collaboration with diverse academic and industry partners formed a pivotal aspect in my research, allowing me to employ a multidisciplinary approach to address pressing issues related to autonomous vehicles and traffic management. This position provided me with a unique blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, allowing me to develop valuable research skills, foster critical thinking, and make meaningful contributions to solutions of real-world problems.

Physics: Jay Ram Paudel

Honored to receive the Outstanding RA award after five years of active involvement in diverse projects under the supervision of Prof. Alexander Gray. Attending national and international conferences, visiting labs, and building a strong network enriched my skills and provided invaluable connections. A highlight was traveling to several European national labs, expanding exposure, and unlocking exciting research opportunities.

Criteria for Outstanding Teaching and Research

Outstanding Research Assistant Award.

While the methods and materials used for research vary with the field of investigation, outstanding research in any field is characterized by:

The significance of the problem that is addressed
The novelty of the approach used
The rigor of the research

In evaluating a piece of research by any of these criteria, a scientist who works in an area close to the field of investigation may disagree with one whose area of research is far removed from the area. In the case of truly outstanding research, however, it is should be possible to convince any reasonable scientist that all three criteria are satisfied.

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award.

Criteria for Distinguished Teaching:

Although diverse talents and classroom styles go into good teaching, distinguished teachers in any field are those who consistently and exceptionally do the following:

Demonstrate a command of the subject or the experimental apparatus
Prepare their presentations and assignments carefully
Are clear and rigorous in their presentations
Make their expectations and basis for grading clear
Challenge students intellectually
Provide prompt and full feedback to students on their progress
Encourage, motivate and inspire students to do their best work

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