Penn State has honored Pranav Diwakar, a physics graduate in the Eberly College of Science, with the Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award for his exceptional service as a teaching assistant.
The award, presented jointly by the J. Jeffery and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School and the office of the vice president and dean for undergraduate education, recognizes graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding teaching performance over at least two semesters.
Also read: Indian-Americans receive Penn State faculty awards
Diwakar, a member of professor Radu Roiban’s lab, has served as a teaching assistant (TA) for five physics courses across 14 semesters, including both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has also taught three semesters through Penn State World Campus, further expanding his impact on student learning.
Faculty and students commended Diwakar for his clear communication and supportive teaching style. “Pranav is always willing to answer students’ equations with in-depth explanations in a way that does not put down nor discourage students. He frequently checks in with students to make sure they are understanding the material and relates to them when they are struggling to understand a topic,” wrote one student in a teaching evaluation.
In addition to his teaching duties, Diwakar serves as a mentor for junior graduate students and volunteers in undergraduate seminars, sharing his academic experiences to inspire others.
“Pranav volunteers as a peer mentor for more junior graduate students. He also consistently volunteers to participate in undergraduate physics courses like the first-year seminar or the career options course, where he shares his own experience in an encouraging and inspiring way,” said Irina Mocioiu, associated professor of physics and director of graduate students.
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