The Jean C. Brierley Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2024
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Dawn Meredith, a professor of physics who retired in spring 2024 after more than 35 years as a faculty member at UNH, has worked tirelessly over the decades restructuring and improving the foundational courses that constitute introductory undergraduate physics for both life science majors and physical science and engineering majors at UNH. Dawn also took the opportunity to use results from physics education research to address the need to restructure the courses and integrate teaching practices obtained from these studies.
Former students speak to Dawn’s full availability to solve problems and coach through difficult material and emphasize that her support extends beyond the one or two semesters' students spend in her courses. To quote a colleague who co-taught with Dawn: “Students who sought help when they needed it always got it … [they] found that Dawn met them more than halfway … she would work as long and hard with them as necessary …”
Dawn’s positive influence on UNH students goes beyond those she has taught in her courses, which alone numbered in the hundreds most years during a career that spanned nearly three dozen years. She has supported student engagement and learning by instituting studio classes that combine laboratory and lecture, including GroupWork Friday as well as learning assistants and near-peer tutors who guide students through problem-solving and content. Dawn also helped many faculty members design and improve their large-format courses to make them more engaging. Dawn’s dedication to student success and her transformative impact on physics education at UNH will be felt for generations to come, leaving an enduring legacy of innovation, support and excellence.
About this Award
The Jean Brierley Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes excellence in teaching by a faculty member over the course of a long-term distinguished career at UNH. A bequest from the estate of Jean Brierley, Class of 1930, established this award. Professor Brierley established the endowed fund in 1973 to recognize teaching in any field or discipline at UNH. The recipient will give a presentation at an annual event sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to help celebrate and promote good teaching. UNH benefits-eligible faculty members are eligible, except those who have received this award within the last five years.
