Ian VanderBurgh, recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, 2003

Pure Math

Ian VanderBurgh is a part-time graduate student pursuing his Ph.D. in pure mathematics. He also is a full-time lecturer in the Office of the Dean of Math.
Ian's interaction with students encourages a comfortable atmosphere in which students can come to him for help at any time. "He kept himself as available as possible, answering email questions as soon as he could and keeping a wide range of office hours". Ian is very effective at delivering the material to students at a level appropriate to each student thus making it easier for students to grasp the concepts and new information. "His review sessions and lectures have become almost a legend for many math majors" as one student put it, reflecting upon Ian's dedication to teaching. Ian goes well beyond the duties outlined for him and helps his students, both present and past, succeed. Not only is he great at what he does but he also cares for his students. As one student puts it "his benevolence is also incredible".