Texas A&M Faculty Members Recognized for Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship

Four faculty members from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University have been honored with the 2025 College-Level Teaching Awards, recognizing their exceptional dedication to teaching and mentorship. The awardees, Jean-Philippe Pellois, Jacquelyn Grace, Elena Castell-Perez, and Desmond Ng, have demonstrated a commitment to inspiring students to lead, foster active learning, and excel in their academic and professional pursuits. Their innovative teaching approaches, mentorship, and leadership have set the highest standard of education, making them exemplary models for the College.

Key Takeaways:

• Jean-Philippe Pellois, associate head for research in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, has developed new undergraduate and graduate curricula, integrated generative AI into teaching, and mentored over 80 undergraduates and 28 doctoral students.
• Jacquelyn Grace, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, has created active, inclusive learning environments through core course redesigns and has mentored 80 undergraduate researchers and numerous graduate students.
• Elena Castell-Perez, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has more than 30 years of excellence in teaching and mentoring, pioneering innovative teaching strategies, and guiding over 30 graduate students and countless undergraduates.
• Desmond Ng, Department of Agricultural Economics, has been recognized for his applied, student-centered teaching in agribusiness management, utilizing case-based teaching and Socratic discussion to equip students with decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• The awardees' mentorship has been instrumental in the success of their students, with many crediting them with transforming their academic confidence and career prospects.
• The Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' faculty members have set the bar for teaching excellence, with their dedication to students and education inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Statistics:

• Over a combined 120 years of teaching experience, the award winners have mentored over 200 students, guided numerous research projects, and developed innovative curricula.
• The average course rating for Jean-Philippe Pellois' courses is 4.8 out of 5.
• The recipients have received a framed certificate and a monetary award for their teaching excellence.

Sources:

• The Association of Former Students (2025)
• Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences