College of Arts and Sciences Presents Barbara Cooke Staff Appreciation Awards
The College of Arts and Sciences announces the 2021 recipients of the Barbara Cooke Staff Appreciation Awards: Sean Congdon, laboratory supervisor in the Department of Biology, Zachary Haines, media laboratory supervisor in the School of Communication, and Karen Schermerhorn, academic support specialist in the School of Communication.
Congdon coordinates the labs for courses in General Biology: The Human Body, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, and Medical Microbiology, with the latter three impacting more than 600 students each year. He also teaches several courses and supervises the animal facility which includes weekends and holiday breaks to ensure the animals are cared for properly. Last year he redesigned the labs for online formats and supervised peer-support workshops to provide additional tutoring to students. Congdon also identified and secured funding for augmented reality systems to teach anatomy, and biopacs for students to measure their own physiological parameters. In addition, Congdon developed a new genetics lab in collaboration with faculty, which led to an article accepted for publication in the Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education.
Haines oversees the School of Communication’s computer-based classrooms, editing facilities, and production equipment, and supports the technology needs of faculty and students. He purchases and repairs equipment, trains and supervises student workers, and assists in development of new curriculum involving technology. He recently oversaw equipment purchases for the new student-run public relations agency Crested Communications, as well as the new audio production studio. Haines also researched an electronic inventory system that students use to reserve production equipment. An active filmmaker, Haines was recognized by department faculty for placing the safety and well-being of students at the forefront and for finding creative ways to solve complex problems.
Schermerhorn coordinates the advising process for the School of Communication, keeping faculty and students informed about academic policies, maintaining Blackboard sites, orienting new faculty to advising, and ensuring the accuracy of student records in collaboration with the Student Services Office. Particularly during the pandemic, when some of the advising records were on paper, she was instrumental in helping the School move to remote advising, keeping in constant communication with faculty advisors and students to guide them through the process. Schermerhorn also recently took on advising Cinema students and serves as the primary advisor for many students. Faculty have recognized her for her institutional knowledge, exemplary advising, and for her willingness to go above and beyond to create a more humane and supportive environment, particularly around achieving greater gender equity.
Barbara Cooke worked for the University from 1989-2004. She generously provided the funds to establish the annual award which is presented to staff in recognition for and appreciation of their contributions to the College of Arts and Sciences and the University community.