Urszula Pasterkiewicz, recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, 2022

Urszula Pasterkiewicz, School of Public Health Sciences

Urszula Pasterkiewicz, a PhD student in Public Health Sciences, has left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.  She has designed a course called HLTH 373: Design Your Future that focuses on growth mindset, resiliency, and neuroplasticity with the implementation of student-centered learning practices and goal-oriented strategies.  The course design was inspired by her thesis research in fostering resilience and improving mental health in young adults. A number of students emphasized Urszula’s ability to provide clarification in a format that is easily understood. She always checks up on those needing academic or mental health support, and her course has been described as a transformative and enjoyable experience.  She is seen as a supportive and enthusiastic teacher that always makes sure students’ needs are met and that their mental health is prioritized.  A student states, she is “the very first professor who has invested so much time in considering students’ health and well-being.”  Another student says, she is “always open to listening to our input and giving us constructive criticism and encouragement to put out the best work.”

Urszula has held a teaching position for HLTH 373, HLTH 273, HLTH 340, and HLTH 320.