ATS students name Emily Fischer Professor of the Year

Department of Atmospheric Science graduate student representatives chose Associate Professor Emily Fischer as 2018-19 Professor of the Year, based on evaluations submitted by students. Students fill out surveys for each course throughout the academic year, and grad reps then determine which professor received the most feedback for teaching excellence.

“Emily brings a tremendous energy and enthusiasm every day and it is inspiring. One of the best professors I’ve ever had,” Graduate Representative Ryan Gonzalez read from an anonymous nomination while presenting Fischer with a plaque at the New Student Welcome Picnic on Sept. 4.

Students praised Fischer’s instruction methods and the applicability of her classes. One of the classes for which she was nominated was a one-of-a-kind Aircraft Observations course.

“I thought, ‘What would I like to do if I was a student?’” Fischer said of the experimental course.

She requested extra flight hours from the National Science Foundation to conduct the class following her wildfire smoke research campaign, WE-CAN, last summer. 

“I am so thankful for the energy and flexibility that the students put into my crazy Aircraft Observations course,” Fischer said. “It was so fun for me to help them design their flight patterns and to watch how much science came out of three short flights. I can’t wait to see what this group will do as future PIs.”

Fischer also acknowledged her Interpreting Satellite Observations students. “It was so fun to see the students take their assignments a step further and identify ways to use new datasets in their research,” she said.