2023 Guarini Teaching Award Recipient: Georganna Benedetto, Chemistry

Each year, the Guarini School accepts nominations for the Graduate Student Teaching Award which recognizes the efforts and dedication of a graduate teaching assistant who demonstrates excellence in their role as an educator. Programs and departments are invited to submit letters of nomination to the Committee outlining achievements and accomplishments of their nominee(s), and the award is typically announced during the Investiture ceremonies and events of that given year.

This year, we are delighted to recognize Georganna Benedetto as the 2023 Teaching Award recipient.

From Ridgefield, Connecticut, Georganna earned her B.A. in Chemistry from Colby College and joined the Mirica lab in 2019 where she focuses her research on materials chemistry, specifically framework materials for gas sensing applications.

Georganna was a teaching assistant in general chemistry in the fall of her first year. This was an unusual assignment and she proved herself to be a highly effective educator, drawing on her previous teaching experience at Colby to enrich her students' understanding while also managing her own transition to graduate school.

In addition to completing TA requirements, Georganna developed learning sessions – both in-person and online during the pandemic –, and created a hands-on learning laboratory for high school and undergraduate students in fundamental chemical concepts.

Her drive to create equitable learning opportunities for chemistry students is parallel with her passion for research, having overcome pandemic restrictions to prepare a review article published in 2020 in Chem. Mater., was first author on a paper published in J Chem Ed aimed at teaching students (high school and undergrad) to make framework materials without the need for high cost resources, and is currently preparing several manuscripts and traveling to present her research at conferences in Summer.

Georganna's steadfast commitment to helping her students expand their own knowledge boundaries, preparing future generations for equitable access to higher education, and her demonstrated excellence and flexible approach to research make her an outstanding recipient of the Guarini Teaching Award. Many congratulations!