Excellence in Teaching, 2016
Biological Sciences
Dr. Leslie Curren is a Lecturer in our Neuroscience & Behavior degree program. Her courses are hands-on, often writing-intensive, and she mentors a large number of undergraduates in independent study. During recent years Leslie is among faculty bringing the greatest number of student presenters to our COLSA URC.
Her work generates impressive student praise. A recent graduate wrote,"She constantly drew us deeper into critical thinking rather than letting us get away with surface-level answers. She dared us to delve deeper, to ask the question of 'why' and to think for ourselves rather than reiterating previously-learned rhetoric. This has helped me immensely as my career moves forward." Another student volunteered,"She not only quickly became my favorite professor at the university, but she helped me gain one of my proudest achievements to date - a position doing fieldwork in behavioral ecology abroad!" And, As I'm a History major, I'm honestly not interested in many science classes, but going to Evolution of Human Behavior with her is one of the best classes I've taken at UNH." Significantly," Leslie was the professor in my college career that helped me to grow the most as a student and a person. Her courses helped me grow from a timid undergraduate into someone who knows what she's aiming for after graduation." And finally,"She gave me hope to follow my dreams, and for that I am truly grateful. She believed in me even when I didn't."Leslie embodies teaching excellence, and so very much more, and this is why we're immensely proud to present this award to Leslie Curren.
About this Award
Each year, the University selects a small number of its outstanding faculty for special recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service. Awards for Excellence in Teaching are given in each college and school, and University-wide awards recognize public service, research, teaching, and engagement.
