DURHAM, N.C. – Two Nicholas School faculty members have been recognized by the university – and by their students – as being among Duke University’s best teachers.

Based on student evaluations, Emily Klein, University Distinguished Service Professor of Earth Sciences, and Andrew Read, Stephen A. Toth Professor of Marine Biology, are ranked among the top 5% of all instructors who taught undergraduate courses in Fall 2020.

The Trinity College Office of Assessment solicits course evaluations from undergraduates each semester.

Klein and Read were ranked among the top 5% of instructors in the Natural Sciences category.

Klein was recognized for her instruction of “The Dynamic Earth” (EOS 101), which introduces students to the dynamic processes -- volcanoes, earthquakes, seafloor spreading, floods, landslides, groundwater, seashores and geohazards – that shape Earth and the environment and can also have profound impacts on humans. Led by Klein, students explore the lines of inductive and deductive reasoning, quantitative methods, modes of inquiry and technological developments that scientists use to study and understand these dynamic systems.

Read was recognized for teaching “Biology of Marine Mammals,” which introduces undergraduate and graduate students to the biology and conservation of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walruses), sirenians (manatees and dugongs) and sea otters.

Read taught the course at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C., but graduate students and undergraduates on Duke’s main campus in Durham were able to take it virtually via Zoom.

“Teaching excellence is at the core of the Nicholas School’s mission. Through their creativity and resourcefulness, and their dedication to students, Emily and Andy are helping us fulfill that mission and inspire a new generation of environmental leaders,” said Toddi Steelman, Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School.

“Each of us at the Nicholas School today has been inspired by a great teacher. We’re living proof that what Emily and Andy, and all of our faculty who teach undergraduates, do in the classroom can have lasting impacts,” Steelman said.  

###