SPH Teaching Award Winners Named

Jane Gardner (SM 1978; SD, 1980) and three other faculty members have been recognized for teaching excellence at the School of Public Health (SPH).

Gardner, senior lecturer on maternal and child health, was voted best teacher for 1997-1998 and, as such, received the Roger L. Nichols Excellence in Teaching Award. Gardner has taught at the School since 1978. Her research focuses on improving nutrition services for low-income mothers and children and on providing quality health care for children with special health care needs and for their families.

"This award represents much more than an acknowledgement of Dr. Gardner's considerable skill in the classroom," said James Ware, acting dean of the School of Public Health. "It also signifies the gratitude of her students for her accessibility, sensitivity, and dedication to their needs. We are fortunate to have her as a member of our faculty."

The award is named after the late Dr. Roger L. Nichols, who served as Professor of International Health at SPH from 1970 to 1982, and, subsequently, for five years, as president and director of BostonÕs Museum of Science.

In addition, teaching citations were were awarded to Robert Blendon, professor of health policy and management; David Hemenway, professor of health policy; and Michael Reich, Taro Takemi Professor of International Health Policy.

T. Hatch Whitfield, a doctoral student in the Department of Biostatistics, was voted the best teaching assistant for the 1997-98 academic year.

The teaching awards represent a unique opportunity for students to reward instructors and teaching assistants who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, as characterized by commitment, preparation, and quality of presentation, Ware said.