Dr. Mary A. Russell, professor of biological sciences at 国产伦理 at Trumbull, has been named a recipient of the university鈥檚 2026 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing her commitment to student success, innovative teaching methods and passion for helping students discover their potential as scientists and learners.
Co-sponsored by the 国产伦理 Alumni Association and the University Teaching Council, the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award is the university鈥檚 most prestigious honor in teaching. The award recognizes part- and full-time faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary teaching and a commitment to making a lasting impact on students鈥 lives.
Russell has taught at 国产伦理 Trumbull for 23 years, bringing her background in microbiology and biomedical research into the classroom. She earned her Ph.D. in microbiology from Ohio State University and has dedicated much of her work to creating engaging, inclusive learning experiences that help students succeed.
Teaching courses including Biological Foundations and Microbiology, Russell uses active learning strategies to help students understand complex scientific concepts. Her approach incorporates hands-on activities, puzzles, instructional videos, models and interactive exercises that encourage students to apply their knowledge rather than simply memorizing information.
In her microbiology course, for example, Russell developed an escape room activity that challenged students to work through problems while reinforcing key concepts. She also uses puzzles to help students visualize processes such as DNA replication, allowing them to build a deeper understanding of concepts that can otherwise be difficult to grasp.
Student nominations for the award highlighted Russell鈥檚 enthusiasm for science, creativity in the classroom and dedication to helping students learn. One student, Nicole Montecalvo, praised Russell鈥檚 ability to make learning enjoyable while helping students retain information. Montecalvo noted that Russell鈥檚 instructional videos were so effective that she continued watching them outside class and shared them with her children and nephew, who enjoyed learning from them as well.
Russell鈥檚 commitment to student success extends beyond course content. She developed a course module featuring resources to help students identify effective learning and study strategies, recognizing that individuals learn and retain information in different ways. Her approach reflects her belief that education should equip students with skills they can use throughout their academic careers and beyond.
After a career in microbiology and biomedical research, Russell has focused much of her scholarly work on student belonging, active learning and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. She strives to create an environment in which students feel included, challenged and supported while developing confidence in their abilities.
鈥淚 hope to create an environment where students feel seen, challenged and supported through active learning, equitable course design and authentic engagement, with the hope that students discover both the beauty of biology and confidence in themselves as learners,鈥 Russell said.
Through her teaching and scholarship, Russell works to help students see themselves as capable learners and scientists while encouraging meaningful engagement with the subject. Her selection for the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes the impact of that commitment over more than two decades at 国产伦理 Trumbull.
Congratulations to Mary and the other award recipients including Angela Douglass, Kevin Eckert, and Andrew Wiley, Ph.D.
