Simon Mochrie, professor of physics, wins the 2021 Dylan Hixon ’88 Prize for Teaching Excellence in the Natural Sciences, one of five Yale College prizes awarded in recognition of distinguished undergraduate teaching. This prize is one of the highest honors for teaching that Yale College can bestow.
The Teaching, Learning, and Advising Committee regards this as an award to be given to a “towering figure” in undergraduate education, someone who over a long period of service has inspired a great number of students and consistently fostered the learning process both inside and outside the classroom.
From the Yale News article, “
Simon Mochrie, professor of physics and of applied physics, your students praise your ability to foster collaboration among peers and your tireless support of their learning, particularly in your legendary late night ‘study halls.’ One student shared that you ‘created an environment that taught the type of collaboration that’s useful in actual scientific research but (that is) almost never taught to undergraduates.’
“The physics curriculum you developed over the past few years is ‘much more than just random equations found in an obscure physics textbook.’ Application-based learning keeps your students engaged in the material and helps them apply their knowledge to other STEM courses, particularly those in the biological sciences. As one student shared: ‘What are the physics of blushing? How does an actin filament add monomers to its tip? He teaches us the beauty of physics, itself.’
“Parallel to the content is the interactive nature of your courses and the structures in place — study halls, peer tutors, along with your consistent presence. Your students marvel at the care you take to learn not just their names but who they are as people. Fostering collaboration in a large lecture course is challenging, and you are skillful in this regard. Students share that ‘the biggest takeaways were how to work with other people, ask for help, and think as a physicist’ and that you teach them how ‘to work with peers, to be curious, and to be resilient.’
“For your creativity, your ability to cultivate teamwork and your genuine care for your students, Yale College is delighted to bestow the Dylan Hixon ‘88 Prize for Teaching Excellence in the Natural Sciences on you, Professor Simon Mochrie.”
Click below for information on the Yale College teaching prizes and to read the full story in Yale News.