CAN lab co-directors Dr. Morrison and Dr. Silton both received teaching honors this spring. Dr. Morrison was one of two recipients of the 2013 Edwin T. and Vivijeanne F. Sujack Award for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Morrison was the 6th psychology faculty member to receive the award since its inception in 1994. Dr. Silton was one of four professors named as a Master Teacher. Both awards recognize superb teaching of undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Recipients of the award seem to have a common dynamic presence in the classroom, a willingness to try new ways of teaching, and a devotion to students that goes well beyond the call of duty. They embody the Jesuit ideal of higher education in their dedication to high standards, to critical thinking, and to the principle that knowledge must be put to the benefit of humanity. Drs. Morrison and Silton both thank each of you for making our jobs as teachers and mentors so meaningful and ENJOYABLE!
Top: Dr. Morrison with Dean Andress and members of the Sujack family. Bottom: Dr. Morrison with members of the CAN lab who returned from the Cognitive Neuroscience Society Annual Meeting early to help celebrate. Right: Dr. Morrison's lovely hands! Sujack Award conferral read by Sujack Chairperson Anne Figart Dr. Morrison from the department of psychology has been teaching at Loyola for the past five years. He received his PhD from UCLA. In the short time he has been at Loyola he has taught six different courses in both psychology and the honors program. His course titles have ranged from experimental psychology, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, the psychology of creativity, and an upper divisional graduate seminar in neuroscience. What really stood out about Dr. Morrison’s teaching record was his one on one mentoring of students. He regularly supervises students in the research laboratory and he also advises the Loyola Neuroscience Society. In his statement Dr. Morrison talks about teaching students the business of science including seeking funding, presenting work at conferences, and writing and publishing papers. Over 15 students in 5 years have received research fellowships under Professor Morrison’s direction. Professor Morrison strives to create a classroom environment were active learning is present to encourage students to integrate their own world experience with the course material. He uses a variety of methods including classroom exercises, videos, Blackboard, blog assignments and as we learned "assessable" Powerpoint. His enthusiasm, organization, and love of his subject matter are apparent both to this committee and to his students. The comments show that students love his courses even though, and particularly because, they are academically rigorous and challenging. Several key words appeared over and over in his course evaluations: enthusiasm, organization, and passion. Some student comments include: “Professor Morrison is a wonderful teacher and effectively stimulates interest in the subject matter. Each week I would leave class inspired and would find myself independently researching topics that we touched upon. His use of social media and technology gives the course an updated hip feel that is extremely relevant to the generation he is teaching.” Another student wrote, “Dr. Morrison is a brilliant, kind, and enthusiastic professor. His enthusiasm about neuroscience is contagious. I find myself excited to attend each class and feel exhilarated as he holds each class. He is fair, accountable and genuinely cares about his students." So, because of his exemplary record as an outstanding teacher and mentor the selection committee recommends Dr. Robert Morrison for the 2013 Edwin T. and Vivijeanne F. Sujack Award for Teaching Excellence. Congratulations. Comments Your comment will be posted after it is approved. Leave a Reply | Welcome!Welcome to the CANlab blog where you will find current lab news and Neuroscience happenings around Chicago. ArchivesJune 2013 Categories |
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