WCSU biologist Edwin Wong receives 2018 Provost’s Teaching Award

 

Associate Professor of Biological and Environmental Sciences Dr. Edwin Wong has been selected to receive the 2018 Provost’s Teaching Award at Western Connecticut State University.

Wong’s colleagues recognized his achievement during the WCSU President’s Opening Meeting for the fall semester held on Aug. 27. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Missy Alexander affirmed his selection on the recommendation of the university’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Committee.

“His contributions to his students, his department and the surrounding community are outstanding, and I am happy to celebrate his accomplishments,” Alexander remarked.

During his two decades of service on the WCSU faculty, Wong has earned a reputation for his instructional excellence as well as his research scholarship. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Chair Dr. Patrice Boily described Wong as an innovative and highly effective instructor who enriches his students’ educational experience by engaging them actively through a diversity of teaching and learning strategies. The CELT Committee also cited his commitment to making his students aware of the connections between biology and their everyday lives.

Recipient of a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from Indiana University, Wong has taught both general biology and advanced molecular genetics courses since joining the WCSU faculty in 1999. His research expertise in molecular biology has produced extensive collaborations with faculty colleagues and community organizations to investigate microorganisms and invasive species impacting the area’s ecosystem. With field study support from students and community volunteers, Wong most recently has been a lead investigator in projects to monitor zebra mussel populations in Lillinonah, Zoar and Candlewood lakes, and to study blue-green algae known as cyanobacteria and the toxins they produce in Candlewood Lake and Lake Zoar.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.