UPenn Cell & Developmental Biology

News & Upcoming Events

• Neal Rubinstein has been named recipient of
  The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching

• Neil Rubinstein, associate professor of cell and developmental biology in the Perelman School of Medicine, has taught at Penn since 1977. “Incredibly,” writes a colleague, “he has made Anatomy (traditionally a despised and feared course in medical schools) the most popular pre-clinical course, year after year. Since taking over Histology only a few years ago, this once floundering course has become the second most popular! In the process of revamping the curricula in these classes, he has modernized and enlivened these dreaded subjects by infusing them with his own enthusiasm for learning and discovery.” As the course director for these two essential areas, he “constantly seeks new ways to improve the course” and has instituted a wide range of educational, curricular and technological enhancements. “He is always thinking about how to help the students learn,” notes a colleague, “and what kind of knowledge our students need and how to best communicate that knowledge to the students.” As a result, reports one of those students, “he was much more than simply helpful and accessible; he managed to make my first exposure to Histology enjoyable. Even if I wasn’t entirely convinced that those two dots he pointed out were in fact two different cell types, I always left class having learned a lot and having enjoyed myself in the process.” Echoes another professor, “As an educator, Neil is tireless, devoted and innovative. He cares deeply about educating the next generation of physicians, and he takes this responsibility very seriously. He is always thinking about how to help the students learn, and what kind of knowledge our students need and how to best communicate that knowledge to the students. It is no wonder that the students appreciate him!”
  

• James White has received the Basic Science Teaching Award - Third Consecutive Year

• Dr. James White is an adjunct associate professor of cell and developmental biology where he teaches a number of introductory courses, including Gross Anatomy. He also teaches Neuroscience and Histology. He is universally praised as an “extremely passionate and dynamic teacher whose extensive knowledge of the subject matter combined with his friendly and approachable demeanor make him a student favorite.” This is the third year in a row that Dr. White has received this award.

  Dr. White’s lecturing style is described as very student-friendly: organized, clear and engaging. One student wrote, “Dr. White has the rare quality of excelling both in the lecture hall as well as on an individual level.  I think this stems from his sincere commitment to student education.” Dr. White is often praised for his commitment to teaching. Students comment that not only did Dr. White deliver lectures that were “works of art” in their grasp of how best to convey a point, he “took the time to personally get to know all of us, which made him that much more special.” “He can make even the most lost student feel like they ‘get it’ by the end of 10 minutes in the anatomy lab—and often did!”

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