McDonald Award recipients

April 18, 2024

McDonald Award winners announced

The College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce that the selection committee for the McDonald Award has completed its work. Chaired by last year's winner, Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer, the committee has selected Dr. Supaporn Kradtap and Ms. Sara Blatz for this year's awards. In today's blog, Heidrun summarizes the selection committee's thoughts on each candidate. Thank you to the committee for its work.

Dr. Supaporn Kradtap exemplifies excellence in teaching in the sciences, earning her the McDonald Award. Through group work and real-world examples, she fosters dynamic learning environments, where students actively apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Dr. Kradtap's pedagogical skills provide students with a well-organized Canvas course that seamlessly integrates interactive resources, concise videos to summarize her lectures, and formative assessment assignments, ensuring maximum engagement and comprehension. Notably, she pioneers collaborative online international learning experiences, enriching students' perspectives and promoting cultural exchange. Ever responsive to student feedback, Dr. Kradtap searches for and deliberately implements techniques based on pedagogical research into her teaching that address challenges posed by a diverse student population. She is very accessible for students, offering regular online office hours on weekends. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her thriving research program, providing valuable experiences for students and resulting in five publications with students. Dr. Kradtap's unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement distinguishes her as an outstanding educator.

Ms. Sara Baltz earns the McDonald Award for teaching in the sciences for her unwavering dedication to pedagogically based teaching. Her commitment to fostering student engagement and understanding is evident through her innovative use of creative assignments that inspire critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ms. Baltz's meticulously structured labs and clear lab instructions empower students to explore scientific concepts with confidence and reflect her dedication to excellence in curriculum design. She continually uses her skills in assessment and data analysis to both improve and analyze courses and student success. Renowned for her efficiency and accessibility, Ms. Baltz provides consistent and timely feedback, offering prompt and insightful guidance that accelerates student growth. Her approach to teaching is deeply rooted in the science of teaching and learning and sets her apart as an exceptional educator.

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor, Physics and Engineering Department