The University of Chicago Department of Chemistry is proud to announce that three Chemistry graduate students have been awarded a Physical Sciences Teaching Prize for 2023–24. Congratulations to Minjun Choi, John Peterson, and Kristina Trifonova.
According to PSD:
“The Teaching Prize is based on nominations from students who shared compelling evidence of honorees’ outstanding contributions made to their education. Excellence in teaching is a fundamental goal of the University of Chicago, and the nominees exemplified this standard by fostering a love of learning in classes that students were previously fearful of, by expressing belief in their students’ abilities to overcome adversity and challenges, by creatively and persistently ensuring that students were mastering concepts, and by maintaining a level of commitment to their students’ success that goes beyond expectations. Each will receive $1,000 as part of the award.”
We had previously reported on Minjun Choi winning the award.
We are thrilled that we may now congratulate all three graduate students that have been awarded the prize.
Kristina Trifonava
Kristina Trifonova is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Chemistry, where she conducts research in statistical mechanics. She is currently exploring the computational abilities of chemical reaction networks in the Vaikuntanathan and Murugan groups. From Autumn 2023 to Spring 2024, Kristina taught three quarters of the course Comprehensive General Chemistry, where, according to her students, she went above and beyond. She created a supportive, safe, and fun environment that was also educational by facilitating an open and engaging discussion section.
John Peterson
John Peterson is a fifth-year PhD student in the Department of Chemistry under Philippe Guyot-Sionnest. His research is in infrared photodetection using mercury chalcogenide quantum dots. In the Winter quarter of 2024, he was a grader and tutor for the undergraduate thermodynamics course in chemistry, covering topics of macroscopic thermodynamics, elementary statistical mechanics, and solutions. John has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to supporting undergraduate education. His students highlight his responses to seemingly simple questions with substantial explanations, offering additional information that serves as exposure for higher-level courses.
Minjun Choi
Minjun Choi is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Chemistry. His research is in synthetic organic chemistry with Prof. Scott Snyder, especially focusing on the total synthesis of complex natural products. Minjun served as a teaching assistant for Organic Chemistry from Autumn 2022–Spring 2023. Beyond being a kind and knowledgeable TA, Minjun is also extremely dedicated to helping students, who recognize him for his knowledge, compassion, and helpfulness.