The CTE is thrilled to recognize the outstanding teaching achievements of our graduate student instructors and graduate teaching/instructional assistants (GTAs/GIAs) from this past academic year.  Graduate student instructors and GTAs/GIAs are vital contributors to student learning at the university, and the Graduate School along with many individual departments and schools have explicitly recognized these achievements.

The CTE wanted to know, and asked these awardees, “What has been the most rewarding part of teaching for you, or what has been a valuable lesson learned as you have progressed through your teaching development?” 

Ertan Ağaoğlu School of Journalism & Mass Communication Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award   Ertan Ağaoğlu is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Journalism and Mass Communications, receiving this award for teaching Theories of Mass Communications (JOUR 306).  His research with Dr. Linwan Wu investigates how artificial intelligence can be leveraged in health communication and strategic communication.  In his words: “For me, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing my students' growing interest in the subjects and seeing their achievements. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching their curiosity blossom, leading them to explore topics more deeply and expand their intellectual horizons. Receiving thoughtful thank-you messages from them or witnessing my former students’ professional achievements complements this satisfaction and reminds me why I love teaching and the lasting impact it can have."
Katheldra Alexander College of Hospitality, Retail & Sports Management Outstanding Doctoral Student Teacher of the Year   Katheldra Alexander is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Hospitality Management, teaching courses including Introduction to Hospitality Management (HTMT 230) and Personnel, Organization and Supervision (HTMT 344), for which she won the award.  Her research with Dr. Scott Taylor Jr. focuses on behavior in food and beverage settings, training, and education.  She is currently studying how rising student anxiety affects work readiness.    In her words: “A valuable lesson learned during my teaching development is to meet the student where they are! This is a lesson my mother taught me years ago, and my advisor has echoed similar words as it relates to connecting with this generation in the classroom. I may walk in [to the classroom] with great content and past work experiences to shape my teaching, as well as a certain amount of comfort giving direction to a group of learners. But to really understand pedagogy is to be able to truly relate your knowledge to the individual learner and I am happy for my growth in that area over the last two years of teaching at USC.”
Dip Das Department of Statistics Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant   Dip Das is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the Statistics department and taught the Elementary Statistics Lab (STAT 201). His research interests include Bayesian Statistics and Statistical learning.   In his words: “The most rewarding part of teaching STAT 201 Lab has been watching my students apply their theoretical statistical knowledge to real-life examples. Observing their diverse thinking style has also been invaluable in helping me refine my teaching approach.”
Joseph Erickson Department of Philosophy Graduate Teaching Award  Joseph Eerickson is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the Philosophy Department and has taught Communicating Moral Issues (PHIL 213) and Medical Ethics (PHIL 321).  His most recent scholarship, under the mentorship of Dr. Leah McClimans, explored the interpretive dimensions of morality and they shape our interactions with others.  In his words: “Here's one valuable lesson that I've learned so far: at the beginning of each semester, learn your students' names as soon as possible and refer to them by name. Any teacher can do this. This basic expression of care and respect toward your students will go a long way.”
Miranda Foster The Graduate School Outstanding Teaching Award for Graduate Teaching Assistants   Miranda Foster is a 6th year Ph.D. student in Clinical-Community Psychology and has taught multiple courses including Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101) and Survey of Developmental Psychology (PSYC 420).  Her research under Dr. Jessica Bradshaw focuses on sleep health disparities in neurodivergent groups and young adults. She also collaborates with Dr. Alexandria Reynolds to address skill gaps in behavioral sleep medicine among therapists in training. In addition to her research, she is a psychotherapist in training, supporting clients of all ages.  In her words: “My goodness, where to begin? It is immensely satisfying to promote curiosity in my students, form connections during office hours, and witness the growth of my students over the semester. I am honored to introduce my field to so many incredible students and learn how they have applied principles of psychology to live happier and healthier lives.”
Ademar Fernandez Department of Geological Sciences Stephen F. Taber Award for Outstanding Teaching   Ademar Fernandez is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in Geophysics (School of Earth, Ocean, and Environment), teaching the Introduction to the Earth Laboratory (GEOL 101L).  His research with Dr. Dan Frost in the Seismology Lab focused on developing a high-resolution crustal velocity map for South Carolina using receiver functions.    In his words, “The most rewarding thing for me is when I happen to cross paths with former or current students outside of class—whether it’s at the grocery store, walking around town, or even at the gym—and they take a moment to smile and say hello. It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot. It shows that beyond just learning the subject, they appreciated the person behind the scientist—and that kind of connection isn’t so common these days.”
Brian Harrold Department of Statistics Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant  Brian Harrold is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Statistics and has taught Elementary Statistics (STAT 201), for which he won the award, and the STAT 201 Lab. Working with his PhD advisor, Dr. Brian Habing, his research focuses on applying statistical and machine learning methods in item response theory.  In his words: “The most rewarding part of teaching has been the work of building trust, fostering connections, and creating a classroom where everyone feels they belong. That foundation of community makes deeper learning and collaboration possible.”
Shamira McCray School of Journalism & Mass Communication Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award  Shamira McCray is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and also received an M.A. in Journalism at USC in 2023.  She teaches Writing for Mass Communications (JOUR 291). Her latest research, with advisors Drs. Wesley Stevens and Sei-Hill Kim, explores how media shape public understanding of marginalized groups, with a particular focus on narratives surrounding police violence, health disparities and AI-generated content.   In her words: “I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach at USC. My ultimate goal is to equip students with the writing skills needed to succeed in the fast-evolving field of mass communication, while connecting course objectives to their interests and real-world applications. It is incredibly rewarding to see my students grow from feeling unsure about their writing to confidently producing strong news stories within weeks. Many have gone on to join The Daily Gamecock and other media organizations, inspired by the skills they developed in my class. I’m proud to see them apply what they’ve learned and thrive in real-world journalism and public relations settings.”
Ehsan Fasihi Moghaddam Department of Physics and Astronomy Teaching Assistant Teaching Award   Ehsan Fasihi Moghaddan is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, teaching the General Physics Laboratory (PHYS 201L) that complements the introduction to classical mechanics and foundations of physics lecture.  His current research with Dr. Alexey Petrov in theoretical particle physics focuses on the invisible decays of muonium; this research may contribute to the theory and phenomenology of beyond standard model theories.    In his words, “I have learned that teaching is not only about transferring knowledge, but also about human interaction. In my opinion, the more an instructor can build a healthy human interaction with the students, the students will be more willing to learn the course materials. Therefore, teaching not only helps students to learn about a subject, but it also helps the instructor to develop one's character. In addition, when you teach, you will learn more about the subject which you are teaching and fill the gaps in your knowledge. Another satisfying part of teaching is that you see students' progress; it always feels good to help someone gain knowledge which will help them in the future.”
Nicola Pasquire Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice Excellence in Teaching Graduate Student Award   Nicola Pasquire is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Criminology & Criminal Justice and has taught Corrections (CRJU 312) and Juvenile Delinquency and Justice (CRJU 351) for which she won the award.  Her doctoral research includes a post-incarceration mortality study involving interviews with parole agents, and she also collaborates with her advisor, Dr. Brandon Applegate, to examine victimization experiences in U.S. jails and prisons.  In her words: “Education is the most valuable tool for change, and in criminal justice, this is especially important. Teaching is rewarding in so many ways, but for me, creating a space in my classroom that allows my students to think critically, examine the world around them, and learn to openly communicate with one another is the greatest reward. I love learning from students as much as I love teaching them, and watching them evolve and question their thinking throughout a semester is a great pleasure. I know I have done my job, not if my students' opinions change, but if I can see they are questioning their opinions.”
Anthony Pignatelli Department of Biological Sciences Jeffery Barnsdale Memorial Fellowship Award for Excellence as a Graduate Instructional Assistant  Anthony Pignatelli is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in Biological Sciences and has taught the Biological Principles II Lab (BIOL 102L) and Ecology and Evolution Lab (BIOL 301L).  His current research with Dr. Tad Dallas uses observational time-series of animal and insect populations to study their responses to environmental changes. He also tests ecological theories of population dynamics in fragmented habitats using an insect microcosm system in his advisor’s research lab.  In his words, “For me, seeing the growth of my students over the course of the semester is the most rewarding. Since the ecology lab is an elective for most students, I get ‘non’ ecology-minded students who aren't quite as familiar with this part of biology. By the end of the semester, I can see that students who may be majoring in pre-med start to really appreciate ecology and are excited to learn more about the field.”
Anirban Ray Department of Mathematics Outstanding Graduate Instructor   Anirban (Ani) Ray is a 4th year Ph.D. student in Mathematics, teaching Discrete Structures (MATH 374).  His current research studies the Finite Element Method (Discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin Method).   In his words, “The most valuable lesson I have picked up on is that learning is a never-ending process, one can learn while taking as well as teaching. I also learned students are what makes the class, the teacher is in the classroom to not only impart knowledge but also guide them. Helping students and make them enjoy learning has been the most rewarding experience.”
Hannah Sedlacek Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice Excellence in Teaching Graduate Student Award    Hannah Sedlacek is a 5th year Ph.D. student in the Criminology and Criminal Justice program. She taught Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CRJU 202), for which she was awarded a Center for Teaching Excellence GTA Teaching Resource Development grant to create a data and statistical analysis unit.  Her dissertation analyzes police cases of violence committed by a child against their parent or guardian. She also collaborates with her dissertation co-chairs, Drs. Wendy Regoeczi and Brent Klein, on several projects, including exploring nonfatal strangulation incidents and analyzing the instrumental-expressive aggression dichotomy in adolescent school shootings in the United States.   In her words, “The most rewarding part of teaching for me is seeing students’ aha moments when things click and I can see that a concept just went from words to an actual idea in their mind.”
Mohiuddin Ibn Shafique Department of Statistics Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant  Mohiuddin Ibn Shafique is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in Statistics and has taught Elementary Statistics (STAT 201).  His research, with his advisor Dr. Karl Gregory, focuses on bootstrap methods for inference in time-series data.  In his words: “The most rewarding part of teaching has been witnessing the transformation in students’ confidence as they begin to understand and apply statistical concepts. Teaching has also deepened my own understanding and strengthened my communication skills, reminding me that clarity and empathy go hand in hand in education.”
Ghalaz Shams The Graduate School Outstanding Teaching Award for Graduate Instructors  Ghazal Shams is a 5th year Ph.D. student in Hospitality Management, teaching Personnel Organization and Supervision (HRTM 344) and Hospitality and Tourism Marketing (HTMT 450).  Her current research with her advisor Dr. Kawon (Kathy) Kim centers on human-centric transformation in service systems, with a particular focus on fostering well-being, empowerment, and growth of all actors in society.    In her words: “The most rewarding aspect of teaching has been creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment where students feel respected, valued, motivated, and encouraged to engage critically with course content. I take great pride in helping students connect theory with practice and in witnessing their growth both academically and personally throughout the semester. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of adaptability—meeting students where they are, responding to their diverse needs with empathy, reflection, and continuously refining my approach. Most of all, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how compassionate teaching can inspire students to lead with both competence and care.”
Lydia Sims Marine Science Program Outstanding Teaching Award  Lydia Sims received her bachelors and master’s from USC and is currently in her 2nd year as a PhD student in Marine Science.  She teaches Physical Oceanography Lab (MSCI 314L) and has also taught and coordinated for MSCI 101 – The Ocean Environment.  With her advisor Dr. Erin Meyer-Gutbrod, her current research focuses on understanding the transport of heat in the Gulf of Maine and its impact on copepod population abundance for Right Whale foraging.  In her words:  “I find a lot of satisfaction in teaching students throughout the semester and watch them finally understand how the earth's rotation affects the ocean through demonstrations and creates the ecosystems they are so interested in.”
Sun Gue (Susan) Yang Department of Political Science Outstanding Graduate Instructor Award  Sun Gue is a 6th year Ph.D. student in Political Science and taught Public Policy (POLI 374). Working with advisors Dr. Neal Woods and Dr. Miyeon Song (Chung-Ang University), her primary research focus examines how the socioeconomic backgrounds of street-level bureaucrats influence service delivery and outcomes, particularly for marginalized populations.  In her words:  “On the last day of class, more than 10 students stayed after class to personally tell me how much they enjoyed the semester and what they had learned during my course. I felt deeply rewarded knowing that I had created an engaging and supportive learning environment that not only helped them grasp the material but also sparked their curiosity to continue exploring the subject beyond the classroom.”