Each year, the L&S Honors Program invites students to nominate faculty members or instructional academic staff who have made a meaningful impact as instructors of Honors-designated courses, mentors of Honors projects, or as supervisors of Honors research experiences. The Faculty Honors Committee evaluates these nominations and selects the most outstanding individuals to receive the Distinguished Honors Faculty designation.
Among this year’s seven recipients, two are faculty members of the Psychology Department: Sara Chadwick and Jenny Saffran. Excerpts from student nominations for Chadwick and Saffran are below. See the full list of awardees here.
Sara Chadwick
Gender and Women’s Studies, Psychology
“Dr. Chadwick truly exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator and mentor. Their passion for Psychology and Gender & Women’s Studies is not only evident in the way they teach but also in how they engage students with thought-provoking discussions and real-world applications. One instance that stands out to me was during our unit on intersectionality and sexual identity, where Dr. Chadwick encouraged us to critically analyze how societal norms and power dynamics shape individuals’ experiences with sexuality and gender. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the material but also inspired me to pursue further opportunities about how intersectional perspectives can inform social policy and advocacy. Beyond their teaching, Dr. Chadwick has been a steadfast mentor, offering invaluable guidance on academic and career decisions. ”
“Through [GWS 528], Prof Chadwick answered so many of the questions on sexuality and the scientific enterprise that I have long wondered about and did so with a critical approach, enthusiasm, and genuine care for her students. She also gave us the invaluable technical skills to continue this line of inquiry on our own. After each class, I would send a series of impassioned texts to my friends and family about the awe-inspiring/ mortifying/ challenging/ invigorating/ confusing topic we learned about that day! And then over dinner, I would do the same with my housemates. This is what true learning feels like!”
Jenny Saffran
Psychology
“Jenny taught our class about very practical subjects regarding research, and offered us a tour of her lab, where we could see the exact environment and procedures that subjects experience. She is a very kind person who is willing to help with subjects both inside and outside of her class, and builds a relationship with students in her small classes – I feel comfortable contacting her about honors-related matters, as well as anything else.”
“I always felt so welcome and driven to learn more in our honors-only section, which was the core class in the FIG I took part in. […] I could not imagine a better way to have transitioned into college than by being a part of Dr. Saffran’s honors only FIG.”
“In [Jenny Saffran’s] class, we wrote to research papers and worked with writing fellows to help enhance our writing skills. She also taught us how to read research papers and articles, which helped me with other classes. […] I met a lot of friends through her class because she had us sit with someone different each day and had us exchange contact information.”
“Jenny is an absolutely amazing mentor. […] She facilitates an environment where all of her students can thrive: one where curiosity is encouraged and feedback is prioritized. While working with her on my thesis, she encouraged me to go beyond superficial questions and find something I am truly passionate about. When it seemed like things weren’t going my way and I kept hitting roadblocks, she provided a space where I could express my frustration, we could talk things out, and eventually find a solution.”