Congratulations to Dr. Callam for receiving the 2016 Provost's Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer. Dr. Callam is known for teaching Chemistry 2510 and the lab courses 2540 and 2550. He instructs an impressive total of over 2,500 students each year. Chair of the Department, Dr. Susan Olesik says, “If there were a rock ‘rock-star’ category for excellence among instructors, Chris would be in that category.”

 

Dr. Callam has been working alongside Professor Karen Irving form the EHE Department of Teaching and Learning to develop the course EDU-5722 – STEM Methods II. He has also worked with Dr. Noel Paul to create an extensive TA training program for both the undergraduate and graduate teaching associates in the organic chemistry lab. This involves mentoring all of the graduate and undergraduate TAs throughout the semester, allowing TAs to provide feedback and ideas to further improve the program.

 

Further proof of Dr. Callam’s deservingness for this award comes from his SEI scores. He, without fail, continues to receive averages of 4.80/5.00 or greater, which is well above the norm. Students say that Dr. Callam’s 2510 lecture is the most challenging they have faced compared to other professors, however, they also say that because of this, they are more than prepared for the following second semester course. In fact, Dr. Callam has been invited to the Sphinx/Mortar Board Faculty/Staff Recognition Reception multiple times, one of the highest honors a faculty and staff member can receive from a student. Students in the Sphinx and Mortar Board are among the top graduating students at Ohio State and each student in the organization chooses a faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on their educational experience at Ohio State. Aside from teaching, Dr. Callam is actively engaged in research and is a senior investigator on an NIH grant. He has mentored several undergraduate students who have gone on to make presentations at science fairs on campus.

 

Colleagues have also noted that Dr. Callam’s exams and quizzes are above average quality. In addition to superb teaching, Dr. Callam has also published two laboratory manuals for Chemistry 2540 and 2550 alongside Dr. Paul. Last year, he also developed a new Research Experience for Enhanced Learning (REEL) module for Chemistry 2550 in which students synthesized and evaluated quinone methide precursors for re-alkylation of aged acetyl choline esterase. Dr. Callam has worked with Drs. Paul and Spinney to convert the organic laboratory course to an all-digital format. For the past few years, the organic laboratory pre- and post-lab assignments have been digital, resulting in faster and more accurate feedback on student calculations, while also reducing grading for TAs.

 

Looking at his efforts and involvement, it is clear to see why Dr. Callam is receiving this award. He goes above and beyond to engage and assist his students and encourage them to work hard. There is no doubt that his outstanding and caring approach is why students appreciate him to the level they do. Congrats, Dr. Callam!