Dr. Jhenny Galan Awarded 2021 Association of Former Students Teaching Award    

Texas A&M University at Galveston Department of Foundational Sciences Instructional Assistant Professor Dr. Jhenny Galan has been awarded the 2021 Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement – College-Level Teaching Award. 

Since the fall of 1982, the prestigious award has been given to outstanding faculty demonstrating devotion, talent and dedication to teaching Aggies. The rigorous nomination process begins in early spring and involves a professor’s students, colleagues, and top university academic officials, all of whom heartily supported Galan. 

Specializing in chemistry, Galan teaches the subject comprehensively; everything from Chemistry 101 to CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry for Engineers. She also leads courses in biochemistry for the Department of Marine Sciences, and has been a key component of the Galveston Campus’ newest degree program: the Bachelor of Science in University Studies with a Concentration in Oceans and One Health with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Master of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

According to Galan’s academic peers and students, she went the extra mile during COVID-19 to ensure students were as successful as possible when classes went online. 

“Dr. Galan is highly attuned to her students’ needs,” said Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carol Bunch Davis. “Not only did she adjust her course delivery modes during COVID to ensure student success, she also used her course tools to get immediate feedback from them in order to shift accordingly. Dr. Galan has quietly, but very consistently, modeled the kind of classroom engagement that supports more equitable student success outcomes for all Aggies by the Sea.” 

Department of Foundational Sciences Head Dr. Melanie Moser echoed Davis’ sentiments, saying Galan is able to make the oftentimes daunting subject of chemistry enjoyable. 

“She’s a very conscientious teacher, making her popular with many of her students in spite of their intimidation about taking chemistry or biochemistry. The fact that they are willing to enroll in these upper level chemistry electives is a testament to her reputation among the students, and makes possible a path to a chemistry minor in Galveston. Her enthusiasm for chemistry is contagious,” said Moser. 

Galan said being an educator is about learning from her mentors, colleagues, and students every day. 

“This recognition serves as a motivation to continuously strive to stay committed to the learning process and the core of my teaching philosophy: motivating students to become independent learners and critical thinkers.”

Galan earned her bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of the Philippines in 1999 and graduated with a Ph. D. in Physical and Computational Chemistry from the University of Connecticut in 2006. 

Click here to view award winners from previous years.