This year, the College of Pharmacy is excited to recognize three outstanding professors as the 2021-2022 Teachers of the Year: Dr. Neil Grimsey, Dr. Wided Missaoui, and Dr. Andrea Sikora.
How do you feel about receiving this award?
It is a great honor to be recognized by our students and the College of Pharmacy.
Who was your mentor?
Over the years, I had the great fortune to be influenced by many amazing mentors; each has left its mark on my teaching/mentoring strategies. Most critically, before I started my undergraduate journey, I worked as a research technician for Dr. Rainer Duden (University of Lübeck, Germany). His generosity, patience, and passion for science inspired me to push myself to my limits. His support and belief in my potential drove me to pursue my undergraduate degree and ultimately my Ph.D. Because of this, I now try to follow his example and support the next generation of scientists and help them find their directions, whatever that may be.
Why did you want to be a pharmacy teacher…what motivated you to choose this career path?
Medical Science and innovative applications for developing therapeutic approaches and exploring the fundamental principles of pharmacology have always been a central driver throughout my career path. In addition, I genuinely enjoy teaching pharmacology, providing knowledge on past, present, and future pharmacological treatments, and novel innovations. I further believe that my personal experiences with my mentors have shaped my mentor style to the extent that allows me to nurture our future scientists, supporting them throughout their path here at UGA.
Describe your ideal student.
Quite simply, someone willing to go beyond their limits, challenging their minds and aspirations. Someone who is not scared to ask questions and is willing to take on the challenge to improve themselves and others to become the best they can be. We always must be prepared to challenge our personal understandings and concepts and allow changes to those same principles so that we can grow.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments in your current role as “teacher” at CoP? What do you enjoy about teaching?
Inspiring my students to reach for higher goals and help shape their understanding of science, pharmacy, or research has been most rewarding. In particular, seeing my first undergraduate student start a graduate degree at Emory and my two Double Dawgs master’s students successfully gain positions at outstanding Biotech companies (Illumina and Aruna). Furthermore, to hear from my PharmD students that the concepts taught in my class will help them as they enter pharmacy practice. Honestly, the daily interactions with my students and seeing them grow are the main reasons I teach in the classroom and the lab.
What advice would you offer a soon-to-be graduate entering a similar field?
My advice would be to keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be, and never be afraid to ask questions! Reading scientific publications is a learning curve and can be challenging, so read, read, read, and read more. Reach out to mentors, students, or anyone that would allow you to present your ideas and concepts, which will foster a natural ability to communicate your science. Things will not always work out as expected, but a “failed” experiment can be as valuable as a grand experiment, teaching us many new things. Plan early and seek advice whenever needed. Lastly, I would also recommend establishing an Individual Development Plan as an invaluable resource for yourself and your mentors.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank all my prior and current mentors, and the students who have supported me and helped me to be the mentor I am today.
Any other comments?
Additionally, I would like to thank the UGA Center for Teaching and Learning, the Teaching Academy Fellows Program, and the Active Learning Summer Institute for all of the great advice, mentorship, and camaraderie over the last two years. With their help, I have continued to challenge myself and my teaching practices, and I will continue to seek out opportunities to improve our students’ success.
How do you feel about receiving this award?
I was surprised and humbled to be named Teacher of the Year. A teaching award is a flattering recognition from the students, colleagues, and administration of our College. I love my job, and I try to do my best without expecting any credit. However, this award solidifies that my effort is noticed and appreciated. This award is an incentive for me to do more and achieve more in my classrooms and teaching laboratories, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the best education and training for our students and to achieve our common goal of producing the best, next-generation of scientists and pharmacists.
Who was/were your mentor(s)?
I have been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my graduate training and career. In particular, Dr. Deborah Elder has been my mentor for many years. She believed in me and my ability to teach since the first time I worked as a TA in her compounding lab. I walked into her office one day and asked if I could give a few lectures in her “Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences “ course, and she did not hesitate to give me the chance to teach. With her mentorship and encouragement, I was able to build the confidence I needed to pursue a career in teaching and to think bigger and dream bigger for a future that I did not think was possible. Dr. Phillip Greenspan has been my mentor since my graduate school years. He provided me with great intellectual advice and wise guidance that helped me overcome challenges I encountered during my times as a graduate student and faculty member. His willingness to listen and to give me the needed advice has helped me in making the right decisions. Dr. Catherine White has supported me and guided me through my years at the College. She is always willing to meet with me and give me the advice I need to navigate through both teaching and research.
Why did you want to be a pharmacy teacher…what motivated you to choose this career path?
I knew I always wanted to pursue a career in the health science field. During my high school years, I discovered pharmacology and decided to pursue a career in pharmacy. In addition, teaching has always been a passion of mine. My father was a teacher, and I grew up witnessing the joy and satisfaction in him and his students. So, it was a no-brainer that teaching pharmacy would be the path I chose for my career. What makes my job extra special is that I teach both didactic and laboratory courses, which gives me the opportunity to teach the theory in the classroom and the practice in the lab.
Describe your ideal student.
An ideal student is hardworking, curious, and asks questions; always motivated to learn and excel in the course; involved in extracurricular activities; and exemplifies leadership abilities. I have been teaching for almost four years, and I am very pleased to say that I have met many of our students who have the qualities of ideal students.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments in your current role as “teacher” at CoP?
With my own standards, I feel like I have not accomplished a lot yet! I am still working on being like many great teachers I had in my life. However, I am very proud of being recognized by my colleagues and students as Teacher of The Year. One of my greatest joys in teaching is building a strong connection with my students while encouraging them to reach their full potential. I enjoy not only teaching our students, but also mentoring them and giving them guidance, support, and advice to succeed. It is a great joy when students contact me after their graduation to give me updates on their post-graduate careers and life in general and to ask for advice and guidance.
What advice would you offer a soon-to-be graduate entering a similar field?
The sky is the limit in terms of how much they can achieve and how far they can go with their education and career goals. I often share my experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student in my classes to inspire my students to always be ambitious, to never doubt their abilities, to ask for help when they need it, to not only love what they do but be passionate about it, and NEVER GIVE UP on their dreams or QUIT. I have a passion for teaching, and I do my very best to express that in my classes. I hope I can inspire my students to be passionate about what they do as well.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank everyone who believed in me and encouraged me along the way, especially Dr. Shelley Hooks, Dr. Deborah Elder and Dr. Phillip Greenspan for their support and guidance. It is really hard to mention everyone. I would like to thank all the faculty, students, and staff members, including our custodial crew members who all helped me in different ways and inspired me to be the best version of myself. I would also like to thank my family, my husband, and my two boys who supported me and cheered me on throughout my career and who never complained about late dinners or not making it to some of their activities because mom has work to do.
Any other comments?
I am very thankful for the opportunity to pursue my career at UGA! I am also thankful to be given the opportunity to do research, to teach, and to serve as a faculty member in our College of Pharmacy. My students know how much passion I have for teaching and how much I care about them and their success while they are here at UGA and even after they graduate and move on with their future careers. I would like to thank all faculty members, staff members and students who have been supporting me throughout my journey at UGA. Athens and UGA are home for me, and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a member of our great community.
How do you feel about receiving this award?
I read recently that success is best measured by the ability to elevate others, and this is the beauty of teaching, a life dedicated to elevating those around you. It was incredibly special to be recognized for this.
Who was your mentor?
I have had so many mentors along the way! My original inspirations to become a faculty member were Dr. Susan Fagan, Dr. Dianne May, and Dr. Rusty May. Those three wrote my letters of recommendation for residency and were integral to helping me define my early career path. Dr. Somanath Shenoy has been very important to my development as a scientist overseeing students doing scholarly work. I have been fortunate to develop some really meaningful relationships outside of UGA including Dr. Brian Murray, Dr. John Devlin, Dr. Jo Ellen Rogers, and Dr. Mitch Buckley. These are individuals who are so willing to be ‘just a phone call away’ for me and to whom I am very grateful.
Why did you want to be a pharmacy teacher…what motivated you to choose this career path?
I cannot think of a more meaningful or satisfying experience than watching ‘the lightbulb moment’ for a learner or really watching someone else achieve their goals and dreams. This spring, I got to watch my mentees all get their top picks for residencies, another whom I’ve known for four years get his first pharmacist position, and have had the pleasure of having a student turned resident I’ve known going on five years on rotation with me. It makes work fun.
Describe your ideal student.
If I may steal a line from “The Ideal Team Player,” the ideal student is the same: humble, hungry, and (people) smart. Humble enough to seek guidance and keep learning, hungry to find meaning and achievement (and therefore willing to put in the work), and people smart –– they know the value of relationships. The other thing is that the ideal student elevates the product, takes it beyond where I could get it because they’re willing to put in the effort, struggle a bit with the content, and create something new. It’s synergistic.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments in your current role as “teacher” at CoP? What do you enjoy about teaching?
My greatest accomplishment as a teacher is watching students become teachers and mentors themselves. The other day some of the current third-years were telling me how helpful and kind a few of the current residents (former students of mine) have been to them. So wonderful! When a former student (now in his first position) asked my advice on how to stick up for a resident and reach out to them- that’s what I measure my success in. Watching others ‘pay it forward.’ That is the accomplishment: having people realize it is not the end-product but the journey itself and ideally a journey filled with self-discovery, bravery, generosity, and kindness.
What advice would you offer a soon-to-be graduate entering a similar field?
Identify your ‘why’ and find mentors. If you do not know ‘why’ you are doing something, the work will become a slog. You have to find meaning in the work that is true to who you are. Mentors help you find this ‘why’, reinvigorate you, and also help you not waste time reinventing the wheel. In turn, be a good mentee, which means mentoring others and also taking the advice that is given and following up. Ask for help. Ask lots of questions!
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My students, residents, and mentees, first and foremost. I learn the most from them. UGAC3 has meant so much to me and my development, The K Team, my friends and colleagues at AU Medical Center, Dr. Mike Fulford for his advice on how to word some of these things that have meant so much to me, and always my core circle of friends and family.
Thank you for all that you do for the College and congratulations on this well deserved recognition!
