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Hugen's John Shaffer selected for the 2020 Craig Award for Excellence in Teaching

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Congratulations to Dr. John Shaffer of the Department of Human Genetics on winning the 2020 Craig Award honoring faculty who have excelled in the teaching and mentoring of students. Shaffer was nominated by students and chosen by a committee of students and past Craig awardees.

Here are just a few comments made by students who nominated Shaffer for the 2020 Craig Award:

"Dr. Shaffer is a major asset to GSPH. He is one of the professors most sensitive to student needs and questions, and he has the special talent for reframing even a stupid question into an interesting discussion without embarrassing anyone."

"If you've had a class with Dr. Shaffer you know how much care and attention he devotes to lectures and to student learning. I still remember how great he was at explaining difficult or counter-intuitive concepts with clarity, how thoughtfully he designed the class slides and homework, how he checked individually with students to be supportive, and most of all, how kind he was during all interactions with students."

"I can say that in addition to being one of the smartest people I know, (Dr. Shaffer) is also one of the most kind and most articulate, which is an incredibly rare combination in a teacher. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with him."

"Dr. Shaffer is one of the best teachers I’ve had at GSPH. His lectures are well-organized, informative and clear. He is excellent at articulating difficult concepts while ensuring that everyone understands his explanation of those concepts. He is also kind, encouraging, and approachable - making it obvious that he cares about students."

John Shaffer received his BS in biology from Penn State University and his PhD in human genetics from the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Human Genetics at Pitt Public Health, as well as an assistant professor in the Department of Oral Biology. Shaffer's research program involves the application of statistical and bioinformatics approaches to understand the genetic contributors to common complex human diseases. In particular, Shaffer is interested in heritability, linkage analysis, genetic association, epigenetics, and gene-by-environment interactions. His current research projects include studies of oral health, craniofacial phenotypes, and recovery from brain injury.

Find out more about the award and past winners at publichealth.pitt.edu/craig-teaching-award.



4/10/2020
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