Ruth Shaw and Brian Gibbens recently received University of Minnesota Alumni Association awards for their outstanding contributions as educators. Dr. Shaw received the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and Professional Education, and Dr. Gibbens received the Morse Alumni Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.
Ruth Shaw receives award for contributions to graduate and professional education
Ruth Shaw is a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, known for her contributions to the field of evolutionary quantitative genetics. To date, she has advised 18 Ph.D. and six M.S. students. Her students have gone on to successful careers in academia, government, and other fields.
In the words of her nominators: “Dr. Shaw has worked tirelessly to shepherd the academic and professional development of dozens of graduate students and postdocs in her lab. In addition, she leads professional development programs that connect students with alumni and with other disciplines within the University. She also served with distinction as director of graduate studies for the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior graduate program during and just after the pandemic.”
Dr. Shaw served as lead instructor for the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior quantitative genetics course nearly every year for over three decades, reaching over 650 students. Students describe her as passionate, knowledgeable, approachable, and respectful. She is able to make a challenging subject accessible.
Brian Gibbens receives award for contributions to undergraduate education
Brian Gibbens is a teaching associate professor in the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning, and a past recipient of the College’s Stanley Dagley-Samuel Kirkwood Education Award. He has taught thousands of undergraduate students as an instructor for seven different courses, including Foundations of Biology. He brings a mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and creativity to his work in the classroom, excels in one-on-one interactions with students helping them overcome barriers to learning, and contributes to the department’s research mission.
In the words of his nominator: “Brian’s pedagogical sophistication and concern for students are both among the highest I’ve seen in the college professors I’ve known over my 28 years of teaching.” Noting his many Golden Pipette Awards — most passionate professor, most creative teaching style, CBS superfan — his nominator says: “All this recognition of Brian demonstrates how loved he is by his students and reflects the energy and commitment he puts into his teaching.”
This recognition is incredibly well-deserved, and we greatly appreciate their dedication to our students.