Center for Faculty Development Recognizes 2023-24 University Teaching Fellows

The Center for Faculty Development hosted its annual luncheon featuring presentations by the University Teaching Fellows on October 28, 2024. This event showcased the transformative educational projects completed by the 2023-24 fellows, each of whom developed original, student-centered approaches to enhance learning within their disciplines. The UTF program fosters a collaborative environment for early-career faculty dedicated to advancing teaching excellence at Seton Hall. The program is led by Judith Stark, emeritus professor of philosophy and founder of both the women and gender studies and environmental studies programs.

The University Teaching Fellows program, first launched in 1996 and revived by the Center for Faculty Development in 2017, provides a year-long opportunity for faculty members to develop teaching approaches that inspire learning. Fellows participate in monthly seminars and receive support in creating unique projects they later apply in the classroom. The program’s goal is to foster a connected community of educators who inspire one another while improving their students’ educational experiences.

The 2023-24 UTF cohort presented a range of innovative projects at the event:

• Carm Almonor (political science): “Multi-Process Student Teaching as Social-Experiential Learning."
• Angela Maresca Baglio (biology): “Generating Excitement in Teaching Anatomy and Physiology."
• Zubin DeVitre (professional psychology and family therapy): “How to Engage with your Teaching Philosophy."
• Christopher Ferrante (English): “Transformative Narrative Journaling”.
• Ramona Guthrie (occupational therapy): “Equipping Therapy Students to Impact Health Inequalities in Historically Marginalized Communities through Peer Teaching."
• Taylor Henry (visual and sound media): “Student Podcast on Sports and Sexual/Cultural Issues."
• Reihaneh Safavisohi (chemistry and biochemistry): “The Effects of Biochemistry Phobia on Students’ Academic Performance."
• La’Tesha Sampson (social work): “Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Religion in the MSW Practicum Education Program."
• Jacob Weger (environmental studies/sociology, anthropology, and criminal justice): “Sustainability Theater: An Improvisational Role-Playing Game for Environmental Decision-Making."

The 2024-25 University Teaching Fellows are: Axel Marc Oaks Takacs (religion), Kishon C. Hickman (law enforcement), Rachel Slutsky (religion), Benjamin Lowe (finance), Sina Shokoohyar (computing and decision sciences), Michael Liska (English), JoAnne Beiter (marketing), Nkosi Anderson (Africana studies), and Narinder Harika (chemistry and biochemistry). These faculty members, selected for their commitment to enhancing learning, will develop their own projects over the coming academic year.

The University Teaching Fellows program exemplifies the focus on student-centered instruction at Seton Hall, as well as the university’s commitment to pedagogical innovation and the professional development of its faculty.

Applications for the 2025-26 UTF cohort will be available at the end of the current academic year.

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For resources about teaching, research, and work/life balance, visit the CFD website.

Categories: Education, Research