Collegiate Teaching Award 

The Collegiate Teaching Awards are presented each year to faculty who demonstrate outstanding performance in the classroom, laboratory, or studio. 

Casey DeRoo, Department of Physics and Astronomy 

Casey DeRoo is an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. DeRoo is an astronomer who specializes in the development of space-based instrumentation. This professional identity informs his teaching at all levels, as well as his mentoring approach to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.  

DeRoo has taught various courses, including general education, undergraduate majors, honors seminars, and graduate. Active learning is at the core of his teaching approach. His students appreciate his teaching philosophy and find it reflected in his course design. 

“Professor DeRoo is an exceptional educator,” physics and astronomy DEO Mary Hall Reno wrote in a nomination letter. “He employs state-of-the-art teaching techniques, and he incorporates assignments and activities that build students’ skill sets so that they can be successful not just in class, but also in future research and employment contexts.” 

Donika Kelly, Department of English 

Donika Kelly is an associate professor in the Department of English. Kelly is an award-winning poet and author whose commitment to teaching goes beyond the classroom. 

Kelly has been involved in departmental curriculum reform, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, and helped develop the departmental offerings for the English and creative writing major. One of her main goals as an instructor is to help early career writers develop a longitudinal writing practice that extends beyond the classroom and curriculum. 

"[Donika] Kelly’s teaching and mentoring record is simply remarkable,” former English DEO Blaine Greteman wrote in a nomination letter. “Nowhere on the CV will you see an allusion to the lines of students who come to her lively office hours, or even to the hours she spends hosting events such as workshops on “writing graduate applications.” But both our students and faculty know her to be masterful at this kind of teaching.”

Elizabeth Kleiman, Department of Computer Science 

Elizabeth Kleiman is an associate professor of instruction in the Department of Computer Science. Kleiman’s research interests are in cryptography and parallel programming. 

Kleiman’s objective when teaching is to show her students that with dedication and effort, they can thrive. She provides support in the classroom, is accessible outside of class, and delivers material in a way where students see the subjects they learn as valuable and applicable to their lives. 

“[Elizabeth] Kleiman is a compassionate and highly skilled instructor with broad mastery across many sectors of our multiple complex curricula,” computer science DEO Alberto Maria Segre wrote in a nomination letter. “She is a superb undergraduate mentor and program administrator, and works hard to promote our discipline outside of the University and in particular to young women who might otherwise not pursue STEM careers.” 

Nicholas Martini, Department of Political Science 

Nicholas Martini is an assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Political Science. Martini’s research focuses on the intersection of international relations and political behavior. He has published articles in Political Research Quarterly, Foreign Policy Analysis, and a variety of other academic journals.

Martini’s teaching philosophy is based on three goals: help his students master the course material, demonstrate the relevance of course topics, and foster critical thinking and communication skills. What’s important to Martini is that his students receive the skills and guidance necessary to achieve their academic and career goals. 

“Nick is one of the most devoted faculty, supporting our students in and outside the classroom,” political science DEO Brian Lai wrote in a nomination letter. “I can think of no better person to receive the Collegiate Teaching Award.” 

Anne Sand, Department of Rhetoric 

Anne Sand, an associate professor of instruction in the Department of Rhetoric, seeks to empower her students and tap into their creativity. Her classes are open, supportive spaces where students can push and challenge themselves.  

Sand works to be transparent in her teaching, including explaining to students the skills they’ll be working on, how the skills connect to the assignment, and the thoughts behind why she has structured her lesson that way. 

“Students and fellow instructors of all ranks gravitate toward [Anne] Sand due to her contagious optimism and genuine belief in the intrinsic value of what she teaches,” rhetoric interim DEO Cinda Coggins Mosher wrote in a nomination letter. “Based on her reputation and former experiences with her, students flock to her classes and invariably ask what other courses she offers.” 

Christine Shea, Department of Spanish and Portuguese and Department of Linguistics 

Christine Shea is an associate professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and the Department of Linguistics. Shea is interested in how age, experience, and the native language sound system interact with the perception and production of a second language.   

Shea strongly believes in creating a respectful and mutually responsive classroom environment. She includes a lot of hands-on activities in class so students can practice and discuss their understanding of the material. 

“Her teaching is student-focused, collaborative, and inquiry-based,” Spanish and Portuguese DEO Amber Brian wrote in a nomination letter. “Shea identifies sparks of interest and talent in students—undergraduate and graduate—and works to guide and nurture them, both inside and outside of the classroom, as they progress through their programs of study.”