2009 Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award Winner- Doctoral II

Ebony Murrell, M.S.

M.S. in Biology from Illinois State University
Ph.D. Student in Biology at Illinois State University

Teaching philosophy

Love what you do and convey that enthusiasm to your students.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

Consistency in the curriculum and quality of the course;

Application of the material I teach to real-life systems or scenarios;

A good sense of humor.

Best compliment from a student

That I am a patient teacher. Patience does not come naturally to me, and it is rewarding to hear when my efforts to be patient are successful.

Recommendations for other teachers

Don’t let teaching intimidate you. No teacher is perfect; the best ones are those that try their best, listen to their students, keep improving their curriculum, and never give up.

Proudest teaching accomplishment

Being able to break down difficult concepts into a form that any student—even non-majors—can understand.

Most important influence on teaching

My mother—who was herself a math teacher for 15 years. Not only is she a fantastic teacher, but she has pursued education and has loved seeking knowledge her entire life. It is little wonder that I inherited an enthusiasm for learning from her, as well as a passion for being the very best teacher that I could be.

photo of Ebony Murrell, M.S. — “You have to find your own, personal motivation for teaching. Don’t do it for a paycheck. Don’t do it because someone else tells you that you should. The very best teachers are those whose motivation and enthusiasm comes from within.”