Photo by Thomas Campbell

“Performs well beyond expectations” seems to continually pop up on evaluation forms and in conversation when it comes to the teaching style of Rebecca Forrest. An instructional assistant professor of physics, Forrest is the recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award at the instructor/clinical level.

In her nomination letters, each of her supporters – from faculty to students – pay homage to her dedication to both her craft and her students. From helping students master the basic mathematical skills necessary to succeed in physics to developing new experiments used in the advanced laboratory, she is credited with being the driving force behind the creation of new courses and improvements in existing ones within the physics department.

Of her teaching philosophy, Forrest said, “I believe that it is my job as a teacher to explain physics concepts clearly and at the appropriate level to enable students to think through challenging problems for themselves. I try to give them the tools they need, then give them opportunities to make discoveries for themselves.”

One of her former students attests that Forrest “is very passionate about the material, and her genuine enthusiasm inevitably sparks the students’ interest and desire to learn more, to explore beyond the required material.”

This award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching by faculty instructors, clinical faculty, research faculty, artist affiliates and lecturers. The recipient is honored with a trophy and a $5,000 prize.

Lisa Merkl
Staff writer

View full list of 2009 award recipients                          Past award recipients