COLLEGE STATION, Texas – For Ph.D. student Alison Bockoven, teaching is a part of life.
On Friday, May 9 she received the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture’s Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit Award. The Department of Entomology congratulates her on this outstanding accomplishment.
The award recognizes all graduate students who excel as teachers in the agricultural disciplines. Bockoven received the award during a special reception held for graduation on May 9.
Bockoven is advised by Dr. Micky Eubanks and her research focuses on the extent, mechanisms and consequences of genetic variation in foraging traits in the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).
During her time as a grad student, Bockoven has been a teaching assistant in the General Entomology (ENTO 201) class for two semesters and is very involved in several activities in the Department, including serving as an officer in the Entomology Graduate Student Organization, helping with outreach activities at local schools, and manning booths at national meetings.
She also has created a blog called “6LEGS2MANY” that has become an amazing teaching tool. Her blog has been featured on numerous “professional” scientific and journalistic blogs and averages 15,000 views per month.
Bockoven has received numerous awards, including the Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship in 2012, first place in the department’s Graduate Student Forum, and the Departmental Outstanding Graduate Student Award for Ph.D.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Zoology at the University of Southern Illinois. She is currently working on her Ph.D in Entomology.
Eubanks was very proud of Bockoven and said “Alison is incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable and has a special ability to connect with her students.”
Bockoven was surprised that she received the award.
“This is amazing and I am so honored,” she said. “I am really beyond words.”