Biosciences faculty (BCMB, CAMB, GGSB) Alexander J. Ruthenburg, Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at the University of Chicago, has received the Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, honoring his dedication to helping students transition into the demanding world of scientific thinking and research.
For the past 14 years, Ruthenburg has taught molecular biology in the College’s year-long Advanced Biology Fundamentals Sequence, an intensive introduction to biology designed for aspiring scientists and physicians. The course challenges students to move beyond memorization and begin thinking like practicing biologists from the very start of their college careers.
“The idea is to have students become practicing biologists by the end of their first year,” Ruthenburg said. “It’s like a warp speed, whiplash training montage to learn how to think like a biologist.”
The sequence combines lectures, small-group discussions, and laboratory work to immerse students in the foundations of biology while building independent learning skills. Ruthenburg works alongside colleagues Michael Glotzer and Navneet Bhasin, as well as teaching assistants who guide discussion sections.
Ruthenburg credits much of his enthusiasm in the classroom to the students themselves, whose passion and energy motivate him as an educator.
“It is a feed-forward cycle,” he said. “I think it’s actually me feeding off their energy to get all of us to that same place.”
A version of this story is published on the University of Chicago college news website.