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NEWS RELEASE
8-30-10 Contacts:
Six named Liberal Arts and Sciences Master Teachers for 2010-11 AMES, Iowa – Six faculty members in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University were named Master Teachers for 2010-11. The LAS Master Teachers are Jean Goodwin, associate professor of English; Neal Iverson, professor of geological and atmospheric sciences; Harvey E. Lapan, university professor of economics; Curtis J. Struck, professor of physics and astronomy; Patricia Thiel, distinguished professor of chemistry; and Huaiqing Wu, associate professor of statistics. This is the 12th year of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Master Teacher program, which recognizes teachers who have a reputation for using unique methods to enhance student learning. This year’s award theme, “Teaching Excellence in the Discipline,” recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching upper-level undergraduate courses (300- and/or 400-level) on a regular basis in their discipline or major. Previous Master Teacher themes have focused on the use of technology, experiential learning or off-campus learning, large lecture classrooms and undergraduate research. The honorees include: Jean Goodwin, associate professor of English. Dr. Goodwin (Ph.D., Rhetoric, University of Wisconsin; J.D., University of Chicago) teaches courses in public speaking, civic discourse, rhetorical analysis, argumentation, public debate and legal communication. She has designed her courses around complex public debates that students engage in through research, reflection and rhetoric. Dr. Goodwin’s research includes theoretical papers on civic discourse as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning. As a scholar and teacher, she does not eschew conflict, but rather looks on with interest and fascination—to observe and analyze how public debate is shaped and resolved through language. Neal Iverson, professor of geological & atmospheric sciences. Iverson is both a world-renowned scientist and an exemplary instructor. He studies Earth surface processes with a specialization in glaciers and glacial landforms. His research has advanced our basic understanding of the physics of glaciers and has practical applications for water resources, geologic hazards and climate change. His upper-level courses are widely subscribed by students from four majors in three colleges: agronomy, civil engineering, environmental science, and geology. His courses are exceptionally well organized, informative and engaging. Students are encouraged to understand surface processes in terms of basic physical principles. Constructivist learning activities, such as extensive field work and laboratories based on real-world data, are emphasized. Harvey E. Lapan, university professor of economics. Lapan’s excellent work, patience and dedication in teaching Econ 455 (International Trade) have enhanced the learning of senior economics majors for decades. He holds students to high standards, challenging them, never teaching down to them, always expecting them to do well. His lectures, as noted by a former student, are “intellectually stimulating for the brightest students without leaving behind those who struggle with the material,” and never miss the opportunity to relate the subject matter to real world economic events. He has inspired many students to pursue graduate studies in economics, and helped them achieve that goal. Curtis J. Struck, professor of physics & astronomy. Professor Struck has, over the past several years, been a shining example of a professor who is committed to excellence in teaching advanced undergraduates in the field of astrophysics. His performance in teaching Astro 342, “Introduction to Solar System Astronomy,” and 346, “Introduction to Astrophysics,” has been especially notable, and has demonstrated not just excellence in instruction but also innovation in teaching techniques and adaptation to a rapidly changing and exciting field. His colleagues deem his mastery of this aspect of his role as a professor to be extraordinary. Patricia Thiel, distinguished professor of chemistry. Thiel has established an exemplary record of achievement in teaching some of the most challenging upper-level courses in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. She accomplishes this with enthusiasm and a style that is widely appreciated and praised by students and faculty colleagues. She uses many techniques to make these courses exciting and to engage her students, from incorporating real-world examples to personal anecdotes to including cutting-edge research, often from her own area of surface chemistry. Her efforts have inspired students to pursue graduate studies and often receive the highest student evaluations. Huaiqing Wu, associate professor of statistics. Professor Wu has established himself as the Statistics Department's most uniformly well received and effective classroom teacher, from 200- through 600-level courses. He combines meticulous organization and preparation with high standards and inexhaustible patience. This, together with kindness, good will, and disarming wry sense of humor are his keys to “opening the door” to even the most cynical or initially disinterested students. Professor Wu is, and has been for more than a decade, a teacher who, without resorting to 21st century frills, does what it takes to provide an “A+” educational experience to all students in his classes. - 30 -
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