Four Princeton University faculty members received the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching at Commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, May 27.

They are Rebecca Carey, assistant professor of psychology; Gabriel Crouch, professor of the practice in music and associate director of the Program in Musical Performance; Danelle Devenport, the Shirley M. Tilghman Professor of Molecular Biology; and Nathaniel Fisch, professor of astrophysical sciences.

The awards were established in 1990 through a gift by Princeton alumni Lloyd Cotsen of the Class of 1950 and John Sherrerd of the Class of 1952 to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching by Princeton faculty members.

A committee of administrators, faculty, undergraduates and graduate students selected the winners from nominations by students, faculty colleagues and alumni.

Rebecca Carey

Rebecca Carey is an assistant professor of psychology who came to Princeton in August 2021. She studies the effects of class inequality, especially on health, participation in higher education, and relationship formation.

In addition to a large introductory course, she teaches a 16-person seminar called “Psychology of Adversity,” for which she has received 193 applications over the past two years.

“She is an off-scale instructor in the classroom,” said one colleague, “and at every turn she takes time to pause, think, create and modernize, which improves the pedagogical lives of everybody around her, from students to faculty. She is a pedagogical star in every sense.”

“Her warmth and patience help students gain confidence in their voices, knowing their ideas matter,” another colleague said.

“I can’t imagine my life at Princeton without Dr. Carey,” said one graduating senior, who said Carey “serves as a prime example of the person I want to be: knowledgeable, personable, kind, humble and incredibly genuine.”

“She invests deeply in our intellectual and personal growth,” said one current student. “Through her guidance, we are not just learning about social psychology; we are learning how to approach the world with empathy, awareness, and a sophisticated understanding of human behavior.”

“Throughout my 15-year psychology career, no academic mentor has made me feel as supported and valued as Dr. Carey,” said a current postdoctoral researcher. “She truly is the mentor so many young academics aspire to have — and become.”

Gabriel Crouch

Gabriel Crouch, a professor of the practice in the Department of Music and the director of choral activities, came to Princeton in July 2010. Praised by colleagues for both his “staggering musicianship” and his commitment to students, Crouch conducts the 90-voice Glee Club and the 40-voice Chamber Choir as well as the tiny Vocal Consort, with five to eight singers.

“In a University where quality teaching is the norm, Gabriel is, quite simply, a superstar,” said a longtime colleague, who described Princeton’s choral program today as “arguably the best non-conservatory vocal program in the country, evident not only in the quality of the performances but in the loyalty and enthusiasm of the participants, and in the high number of singers and conductors mentored by Gabriel who have gone on to have major careers.”

“It is impossible not to be struck by the joy that radiates from students as they sing together under Crouch’s leadership,” said a University administrator. “Whether they are singing a solemn medieval requiem or a lively African ballad, their pride and pleasure in achieving excellence in choral performance is palpable.”

“Gabriel is unique among University faculty in the sheer number of students in his charge at any given time,” one graduate student noted, “and in the fact that many students work with him for the entirety of their time at Princeton.”

A graduate student currently in the Glee Club said, “I have yet to meet a single person on campus whose eyes don’t light up when they talk about their experience learning from and working with Gabriel. His combination of excellence, mentorship and kindness epitomize the best of what Princeton has to offer.”

“Gabriel possesses a remarkable talent for making students feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness,” said one undergraduate.

Danelle Devenport

Danelle Devenport, the Shirley M. Tilghman Professor of Molecular Biology, joined the Princeton faculty in September 2011. Her research focuses on how cells assemble into the complex architecture of skin and other tissue.

“She has made countless scientific breakthroughs and has fostered undergraduate and graduate researchers to success,” said a recent student. “She is a pillar of the molecular biology department and is an integral part of the success of all those undergrads who learn therein.”

One colleague who taught with her said, “She is inspiring, visionary, charismatic, relatable, empathetic, hardworking and organized. Having even a few of these traits is a hallmark of a good teacher, but she embodies all of them.”

Every spring semester for more than a decade, Devenport has taught both of the required core courses in molecular biology, one for undergraduates and the other for graduate students. In other words, “she has taught every molecular biology student, whether undergraduate or graduate, that has come through our program since 2013,” said a longtime colleague. “We can say that of no other faculty member. Her influence on our students and the next generation of scientists, science policy makers, and physicians is utterly profound.”

In 2016, Devenport transformed the previously lecture-based courses into an “active learner” style, featuring interaction, hands-on activities and extensive discussions.

“Her ability to balance a beautifully productive research lab with her superb teaching and a highly positive outlook is inspiring,” said one former graduate student. “To me, Danelle is a model for success that I hope to emulate as I move forward with my own career in research and mentorship.”

Another former student said, “She embodies the very best of what university educators should be — dedicated, inspiring, and deeply invested in her students’ success. I am grateful to have learned from her.”

Nathaniel Fisch

Nathaniel Fisch is a professor of astrophysical sciences who has taught at Princeton since 1978. His research explores and expands the range of possibilities for plasma physics, which a former student described as “cajoling plasmas to rearrange in advantageous ways.”

He is known internationally for his passion for his field, his boundless energy, and his unfailing commitment to his students and mentees. One colleague called attention to “his seemingly limitless curiosity and commanding expertise.” Another colleague described the spirit of inquiry that he fosters as a “warm and supportive environment where students enjoy the freedom to become extraordinary.”

For decades, Fisch has taught “General Plasma Physics I,” a graduate-level course that is open to advanced undergraduates. A creative instructor, Fisch constantly introduces new examples, metaphors and explanations into his signature class, observed one colleague who taught with him several times.

“His deep understanding of the course material shone through in his singularly intuitive and accessible style of instruction,” said a current student. “I have not met another professor who is able to communicate new ideas so clearly, whether through analogy or appropriate mathematical detail.”

Fisch introduced the role of “designated questioner,” a student who is responsible for speaking up if no one else has asked a question within 10 minutes. “This strategy got me past feeling out of my league and encouraged all members of the class — experienced graduate students and wide-eyed undergrads alike — to approach the material with a lens for questioning and deeper understanding,” said a recent student.

“To sit in Nat’s GPP1 class at Princeton was to be continually reminded of the joy inherent to physics research, and the whimsical nature of plasma,” said a former student. “He rewarded creativity and childlike curiosity. I can’t think of a better way to begin the training of the next generation’s plasma scientists.”

Graduates of his plasma program “now make up a ridiculously disproportionate number of senior leaders of national-laboratory and university plasma/fusion programs,” said one long-ago student who is now a leading plasma physicist at the Department of Energy.