Alex Kotelsky wins 2016 Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student
Congratulations to PhD student Alexander Kotelsky of Assistant Professor Mark Buckley's lab. Alex has been named a recipient of a 2016 Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student which comes with a $1,000 prize. "Alex is more committed and skilled in undergraduate instruction than any graduate student I have come across throughout my career," Mark wrote in a nomination letter. "His contribution to the University is nothing short of exceptional."
In terms of scientific contributions, he has already made remarkable strides, and has presented his work at the 2014 University of Rochester Center for Musculoskeletal Research Symposium and at the 2015 Orthopedic Research Society Conference. He has futher scientific presentations on the horizon, including an abstract submitted with Professor Amy Lerner for the 2016 Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference.
In addition to these accomplishments, he has demonstrated true dedication to undergraduate education. A few highlights of Alex's involvement include his educational research in novel teaching strategies for undergraduate engineering courses as a Teaching as Research Fellow, his extensive tutoring through the David T. Kearns Center and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), his informal tutoring of undergraduates in the Buckley Lab, his work as a physics workshop leader for undergraduates in the BME department, and his excellent work as a teaching assistant (TA) for three semesters in upper-level undergraduate BME courses.
His passion for teaching and mentoring is nicely summed up by the praise of an undergraduate whom he tutored: “I received support and help from Alex in many aspects," the student said. "I was able to pull up my GPA thanks to Alex's unconditional support. I highly respect his dedication and hard work--he is my role model.”