Winner of the 2008 Excellence in Instruction Award: Tom Porter

Tom Porter

Dr. Porter joined the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences in 1997. An endocrinologist by training, he quickly established his laboratory and teaching programs upon his arrival at the University of Maryland. As a teacher, Dr. Porter has team taught Applied Animal Physiology (ANSC 212 & 214) with Dr. Mark Varner for ten years. This is a required course for every undergraduate in the department. Students in veterinary school frequently laud this course for laying the groundwork for their success in veterinary school.

Dr. Porter consistently receives high marks on student evaluations, ranking in the top 20 percent in a department known for its high teaching quality. Comments from students include:"I had a blast while 1 learned a lot," and "good synthesis of all the important aspects of endocrinology."

Together Drs. Porter and Varner have been innovative in their use of WebCT to enhance students' learning environment. Dr. Porter also teaches Animal Endocrinology (ANSC 444), and has served as a mentor to six M.S. and ten Ph.D. students during his career. He has served on the graduate committee for 41 graduate students—an impressive number for a midcareer professor.

Dr. Porter has extended his mentoring to 39 undergraduate students who have worked in his laboratory. He has published 12 book chapters, 55 refereed journal articlesand has obtained nearly $4 million in extramural research "rants".

For more information, contact Gail Yeiser

Last updated: 03/9/2009