The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences recently named Sakhila Banu, Ph.D., as the 2016-17 Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Scholar. Dr. Banu is an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences. The Montague-CTE Scholar award has been given annually since 1991 to one tenure-track faculty member from each college, based on their early ability and interest in teaching. Awardees receive a $6,500 grant to encourage further development of undergraduate teaching excellence. Each spring semester, Banu teaches a course in endocrine toxicology to undergraduate and graduate students. The course examines the mechanisms behind endocrine disrupting chemicals and their role in environmental contamination and development of some diseases, such as cancer. “I teach because it energizes me and gives me an opportunity to influence and motivate students’ life in a positive way,” Banu said. “I treat my students with care and compassion, and I appreciate them for their confidence in me and their eagerness to learn.” Banu intends to use the grant money to develop a lab module for the endocrine toxicology course she currently teaches. She also plans on facilitating field trips related to the endocrine toxicology course for students, according to the college. Further, the funds from this program will also allow Banu to promote research experiences for undergraduates, through purchasing materials and supplies for training and by sponsoring students to present posters in local scientific meetings, the college further noted. “I would like to thank the awards committee for honoring me with this nomination for a Montague–Center for Teaching Excellence Award,” Banu said. “I am extremely proud to be a teacher, and I consider it one of the most important and responsible professions.”
