Associate Professor James “Jed” Murdoch of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources has been awarded a University of Vermont 2017 Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award.
The award recognizes UVM faculty for excellence in instruction, especially in learning experiences outside the classroom; ability to engage, motivate, and challenge students; use of innovative teaching methods and curricula; commitment to cultural diversity; and excellence in student advising.
Director of the undergraduate Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Program in the School, Professor Murdoch teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on conservation biology and on wildlife behavior, ecology, and management. He also teaches methods courses on estimating species abundance and distribution.
"Teaching has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my professional career, and I am both delighted and humbled by the Kroepsch-Maurice Award," said Murdoch, who is the first faculty member in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology to win the award. "I encourage students to be lifelong learners and to see how science can play an incredibly important role in solving many of the environmental problems we face today."
Professor Murdoch joined the Rubenstein School faculty in 2009. He conducts research on the behavior, ecology, management, and conservation of mammalian carnivores — science he draws from for content in his courses.
“Professor Murdoch has truly established himself as a talented and innovative instructor,” said Rubenstein School Dean Nancy Mathews. “He is a gifted lecturer who creates a classroom climate that is both inclusive and engaged. He is especially deserving of the honor and recognition.”
As the faculty advisor for the Wildlife and Fisheries Society student chapter, Professor Murdoch encourages student members to organize community service events, especially in partnership with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. Students gain valuable career building experience by volunteering each year at deer check stations during hunting season, at a turtle nesting habitat restoration on a local beach, and at an annual Ice Fishing Festival. This year, they sponsored a four-part seminar series featuring state biologists from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and filled the lecture room beyond capacity.
“Jed always strives to pursue the interests of his students and this was especially prevalent for me during our conversations and advising meetings, and I know he does the same for others,” said Zeb Bolduc (’17), senior in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology who will be a teaching assistant in Professor Murdoch’s summer wildlife course. “It was such a pleasure and great opportunity to have Jed as an advisor, professor, and friend. Jed is the type of professor I myself will plan on keeping in touch with as I pursue future endeavors because he is so charismatic, caring, and has helped me get to where I am today.”
"I truly enjoy getting students excited about science and more importantly being a part of their educational journeys," said Murdoch.
Professor Murdoch joins past Rubenstein School Kroepsch-Maurice Award recipients Matthew Kolan (2015), Walter Poleman (2003), Stephanie Kaza (2002), Elizabeth “Ibit” Wright (2001), John Shane (2002), Mary Watzin (1996), Jeffrey Hughes (1996), and Donald DeHayes (1991).
Other 2017 awardees include Professor Rocki-Lee DeWitt of the Grossman School of Business, Assistant Professor Melissa Willard-Foster of the Political Science Department, and Lecturer Catherine Bliss of the Mathematics and Statistics Department.
The Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award memorializes Robert H. and Ruth M. Kroepsch and her parents, Walter C. and Mary L. Maurice. Robert Kroepsch served as Registrar and Dean of Administration at UVM from 1946-56. His wife, Ruth, graduated from UVM in 1938 and her father, Walter Maurice, graduated from UVM in 1909. All four of them were teachers.