Hello Pomona, it's Gabi Starr and Bob Gaines, 6 feet apart on Marston Quad, here to deliver
some exciting news!
Fresh off the presses, six Pomona College professors have received the 2020 Wig Award
Distinguished Professor Award for excellence in teaching.
The award is the highest honor bestowed on Pomona faculty which recognizes exceptional
teaching, concern for students and service to the College and community.
Each year, a group of outstanding professors is elected by juniors and seniors, and confirmed
by a committee of trustees, faculty and students.
This year’s recipients are: Aimee Bahng, assistant professor of gender
and women’s studies Tom Le, assistant professor of politics
Jane Liu, associate professor of chemistry Jorge Moreno, assistant professor of physics
and astronomy Gilda Ochoa, professor of Chicana/o Latina/o
studies Alexandra Papoutsaki, assistant professor
of computer science In anonymously written nomination comments,
students offered praise for the six professors who go above and beyond in their teaching
and mentorship, especially during this time of disruption and transition to online instruction
due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
So, Bob?
I'd like to start off with professor Aimee Bahng.
That sounds great!
Yeah!
Assistant Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies Aimee Bahng joined Pomona in 2017
and focuses her research in areas that include queer and feminist science and technology
studies as well as transnational Asian/American and transpacific studies.
One student had to say, "“Professor Bahng is one of the most intellectually generous
people I have ever met.
Her courses are fascinating, facilitating excellent discussions that I feel have contributed
to my growth as a person.”
Congratulations, Aimee!
Congratulations Aimee.
So let me tell you a little bit about Tom Le.
Assistant Professor of Politics Tom Le is a scholar of East Asia who joined Pomona in
2015.
Among his areas of expertise are Japanese security policy, Japan-South Korea-U.S. relations,
war memory and reconciliation and militarism cultures.
One student says, “I met Professor Le my sophomore year in an upper division international
relations class.
At first, I was intimidated by his candor and overwhelming expertise on the subject
of East Asian politics.
However, in the span of a few weeks, I realized how lucky I was to have the chance to take
one of his classes.”
Congratulations, Tom.
It's a pleasure for me to congratulate our next winner, professor Jane Liu.As a chemist
and molecular biologist, Associate Professor of Chemistry Jane Liu is driven to understand,
at a molecular level, how regulatory RNAs function.
One student says, “Professor Liu is absolutely amazing as a professor, mentor and friend
to all her students.
As a professor, she is constantly supportive and encouraging, and she takes that extra
step to check in with each and every student about the comprehension of the material.”
Congratulations, Jane.
And on to professor Jorge Moreno.
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Jorge Moreno is a theoretical astrophysicist,
who studies and teaches galaxy evolution.
Specifically, he uses high-performance supercomputing to simulate galaxy encounters, and investigates
the role of merging in shaping the structure of the interstellar medium in galaxies.
A little story from a student, to show how Jorge really changes people's life.
“Professor Moreno has been the most supportive person in a position of power that I have
ever met in my four years at Pomona.
This is a person who devotes their time, attention, and energy to all students while constantly
emphasizing the voices and realities of the most vulnerable students on campus."
Congratulations, Jorge.
It's a treat for me to congratulate professor Gilda Ochoa.
Professor of Chicana/o Latina/o Studies Gilda Ochoa is an expert on Latinos in education,
inequalities in schools, community partnerships, and race/ethnic relationships between Mexican
Americans and Mexican immigrants.
One student has to say, “Gilda Ochoa is the most deserving faculty member for this
award because she is always available for students regardless of their major or background."
Congratulations, Gilda.
And finally, Alexandra Papoutsaki.
A first-time winner of the Wig Award, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Alexandra Papoutsaki
and studies human-computer interaction.
One of her very lucky students says, “Professor Papoutsaki teaches a difficult subject with
amazing patience and humor.
She handled every difficult situation incredibly well – I'm thankful I had her!”
We're all thankful we have her.
We're thankful for every single one these 6 extraordinary faculty and all of the faculty
members at Pomona.
But to the 6 Wig Award Winners we have to say, congratulations!
Congratulations!