Chemistry Students Receive Excellence in Service as a Learning Assistant Award
The Department of Chemistry is pleased to announce that Isaac Blatt, Lauren Chamberlain, Cristina Craescu, Jennifer Cruz, Anna Hou, and Jilian Roebuck are the 2021 recipients of the department’s annual Excellence in Service as a Learning Assistant Award.
The award was created to acknowledge the contributions of students to the department’s educational mission. The awardees are students who have dedicated themselves to advancing learning and education among their fellow students through service as a learning assistant (LA).
Graduating chemistry major Isaac Blatt was recognized for his work as an LA in CHEM 202 and CHEM 210. As an LA, Blatt went above and beyond to answer student questions and help them with problems outside of his normal classroom obligations. Nominators also praised his exemplary communication skills.
Lauren Chamberlain, who is a graduating chemistry major, was recognized for her outstanding work as an LA in CHEM 110 and 202. She also served as an undergraduate research ambassador and has helped many younger chemistry students find and connect with research groups. Her efforts have led to an increase in interest in chemistry research among undergraduates.
Graduating chemistry major Cristina Craescu was recognized for her excellence as a CHEM 227 LA. She was also recognized for her participation in outreach events such as Spend A Summer Day, Accepted Students Day, Transfer Students Day, and various NSO activities. Nominators note that she has been an excellent ambassador for the Department of Chemistry.
Jennifer Cruz, who is a graduating chemistry major, was recognized for her work as an LA in CHEM 210 and in the World Campus section of CHEM 110. In her role as an LA, Cruz went out of her way to answer student questions and to suggest improvements and modifications to course worksheets.
Graduating chemistry major Anna Hou was recognized for two semesters of great work as an LA in CHEM 111 and the World Campus section of CHEM 110. Additionally, Hou volunteered for additional evening office hours during semesters when she didn’t have a full LA assignment so that she could continue to help students. She also created a series of four concept review videos for CHEM 111, each of which has been viewed over nine hundred times over the past two semesters.
Jilian Roebuck, who is a graduating chemistry major, was recognized for her work as an LA in CHEM 110, CHEM 111, and two sections of CHEM 227. As an LA, she went above and beyond to help students succeed. She often stayed after recitations to answer questions for students; she also volunteered to hold additional office hours to help students. Nominators added that she created a positive and encouraging learning atmosphere for students.
Please join the Department of Chemistry in thanking these students for their commitment to chemistry education.