Show-Me State Times

Two instructors from the Ignite Seminar series have been recognized with the 2024 Ignite Instructor of the Year Award. Shannon Cooper-Sadlo, Ph.D., from Social Work, and Meadow Campbell, Ph.D., from the Center for Anatomical Science and Education, were honored for their exceptional teaching in these seminars.

Cooper-Sadlo received recognition for her Spring 2024 seminar titled "Conversations with a Mom, but not Your Mom," while Campbell was acknowledged for her Fall 2024 seminar "Dissecting a Timeline: Anatomy Through the Ages."

The Ignite Seminars are part of Saint Louis University's University Core program. They aim to introduce students to SLU's distinctive approach to teaching and learning by igniting intellectual curiosity among first-year students.

Core Director Ellen Crowell, Ph.D., commended all Ignite instructors during the award presentation. She noted that the winners were chosen from over 100 student nominations and 50 different nominated instructors.

The awards were presented at a reception held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Samuel Cupples House. Students praised Cooper-Sadlo for creating a supportive environment where difficult topics could be explored openly. One student commented on how she helps students navigate complex emotions and relationships.

Another student emphasized that Cooper-Sadlo's seminar was more than just academic learning; it fostered empathy and self-understanding. "Dr. Cooper-Sadlo's impact extends far beyond the confines of the classroom," one nominator wrote.

Campbell's seminar also left a significant impression on students. One participant mentioned how it reinforced their career choice in forensic pathology, stating that it fueled their passion for the field.

Another student expressed how Campbell's teaching has profoundly influenced their perspective on themselves and their surroundings.

Finalists for Spring 2024 included Amy E. Wright, Ph.D., Ajlina Karamechic-Maratovic, Ph.D., Carolyn O’Laughlin, Ph.D., and Patricia Bass, Ph.D. For Fall 2024, finalists were Martha Allen, Bobby Wassel, Ph.D., Abigail Jorgensen, Ph.D., Caitlin Stamm and Katie Mascari, Allen Brizee, Ph.D., Mary Maxfield, Ph.D., Ness Sandoval, Ph.D., Joan Hart-Hasler, Ph.D., Emily A. Phillips, Ph.D., Filippo Marsili, Ph.D., Jesse Helton, Ph.D., Leah Sweetman, Ph.D., Mark Ruff, Ph.D., and Mitzi Brammer, Ph.D.