Nothing says “thank you” to a biology professor quite like being awarded a colorful lab coat hand-dyed by your students. That’s exactly what happens every year at the Golden Pipette’s award ceremony, an event put on by the CBS Student Board that fosters connection between faculty and students and recognizes CBS faculty and staff for their contributions to the college. The board nominates faculty and staff for 10 award categories, often with silly titles – this year, “Most Nuggets of Knowledge” and “Most Compassionate Dean” top of the list – and each winner receives a plaque along with their new, decorative lab coat.
The theme for this year’s Golden Pipettes, held at a club room in the Huntington Bank Stadium, was New Beginnings. “We found that this year’s theme, ‘New Beginnings’ highlights the ongoing changes taking place in our college as well as the introduction of new programs and the most significant new addition to CBS,” says Chloe Staudenmaier, CBS Student Board secretary and part of the engagement committee. The arrival of a new dean and the introduction of a biotechnology minor within the college are just a few of the changes faculty and students have embraced over the last year.
The Golden Pipettes ceremony often prompts faculty to reflect on the positive, invaluable relationships they’ve built with students and the CBS community. “Seeing people be celebrated is really important to me,” says CBS (Most Compassionate) Dean Saara DeWalt. “It brings everyone together and makes everyone feel seen and appreciated.”
Deena Wassenburg, a teaching professor and associate head of the Biology, Teaching and Learning department who won the Professor Congeniality award, is in agreement. “I have this moment at the end of every year when I realize how much hope I have for our future,” says Wassenburg. “Because when I look at my students, all I see is how awesome and capable they are.” – Adara Taylor.
This year’s award recipients:
Most Distinguishable Voice - Clay Carter
Most Nuggets of Knowledge - Christian Mohr
Best Supporting Role in CBS Student Services - Kay Glasgow
Most Unique Teaching Style - Jim Cotner
Most Passionate about Inclusion - Paloma Gonzalez-Bellido
Most Rewarding Challenge - David Matthes
Most Interesting Upper-Division Course Outside of Major - Mingzi Xu (EEB 3412W)
All-Star Professor - Jeffrey Simon
Most Compassionate Dean - Saara DeWalt
Professor Congeniality - Deena Wassenberg