The 2010 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Carski Foundation Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award will be presented to John J. Tudor, Ph.D., St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, in recogniton of his 40 years of teaching. This award recognizes an educator for outstanding teaching of microbiology to undergraduate students.
Tudor received his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, and has taught undergraduate microbiology courses since 1970. He has developed and taught molecular genetics, molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, and microbiology for non-science majors. Additionally, he has taught the freshmen core courses in cell biology and genetics and general microbiology for biology majors.
Technology and visuals are an integral part of his teaching which he works to ensure is always up-to-date. He uses both to enhance students' comprehension and to quickly address the content when students begin to struggle. He has also used technology to hold online Q & A sessions so that students can contact him after class or office hours.
Tudor has taught more than 1,000 students and more than half of them have gone on to complete advanced degrees in the biomedical sciences. He has personally mentored 75 students and 54 of them have earned or are completing graduate and/or professional degrees. He routinely receives the highest student evaluations in his department and is consistently in the top ten percent of his university. An academic advisor to 20 students each year, he is also actively involved in several educator networks and councils.
The Carski Foundation Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award will be presented during the 110th General Meeting of the ASM, May 23-27, 2010 in San Diego, CA. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 43,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health and economic and environmental well-being.