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K-State Today

May 3, 2016

Golden Key recognizes K-State graduate student assistants

Submitted by Kelsey Peterson

Golden Key nominees

Fifteen of K-State's graduate teaching assistants and graduate research assistants were nominated by faculty to be recognized for their outstanding leadership and diligence at the Golden Key International Honour Society's GRA and GTA Awards Ceremony and Reception, April 24, at the K-State Student Union. Two students were selected to receive the Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year award and Graduate Research Assistant of the Year award.

"Golden Key sponsors this recognition ceremony because we feel that it is important to acknowledge the graduate teaching and research assistants at K-State and all that they do," said Kori Zarzutzki, social events chair for Golden Key. "It gives department heads and professors an opportunity to show their GTA or GRA that their work is not only great, but truly appreciated by nominating them for the Outstanding GTA of the Year or Outstanding GRA of the Year awards."

Joshua Smith, a doctoral student in kinesiology, was nominated by his major professor Craig Harms, professor of kinesiology, for the Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year award.

"Josh has always taken great care in his responsibilities and ensures that his students learn the material," Harms said. "He highly values teaching and has truly been an outstanding GTA in our department. He connects well with students and they enjoy learning from him."

Amanda Martens, a doctoral student in psychology, received the Graduate Research Assistant of the Year award. She was nominated by Carol Shanklin, dean of the Graduate School.

"I nominated Amanda and the other graduate research assistants because of their contributions to assisting the Graduate School team in providing services and programs to enhance the graduate students' experiences," Shanklin said. "Amanda has coordinated orientation activities, participated in the calling campaign, represented graduate students on the University Budget Committee and the Space Allocation Committee, and served as president of the Graduate Student Council."

Additional graduate teaching and research assistants who were recognized:

  • Jeffrey Powell, physics, nominated by Chris Sorenson.
  • Ana Claudia Sant'Anna, agricultural economics, nominated by Jason Bergtold.
  • Evan Alderman, horticulture, forestry, and recreation resources, nominated by Jared Hoyle.
  • Guillermo Balboa, agronomy, nominated by Ignacio Ciampitti.
  • Dhananjay Mehta, computer and information sciences, nominated by Julie Thornton.
  • Ashley Hough, entomology, nominated by James Nechols.
  • Stacy Conner, family studies and human services, nominated by Jared Anderson.
  • Narinder Singh, interdepartmental genetics, nominated by Jesse Poland.
  • Brooke Cull, food, nutrition, dietetics and health, nominated by Sara Rosenkranz.
  • Melissa McKendree, agricultural economics, nominated by Sean Fox.
  • Robin Besse, psychological sciences, nominated by Michael Young.
  • Aaron Entringer, Graduate School, nominated by Carol Shanklin.
  • Morgan Bialas, Graduate School, nominated by Carol Shanklin.

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