This pop quiz is being delayed by a Golden Apple Award

Trista Strauch, teaching assistant professor.

The students didn't know it, but they were in for a surprise. Trista Strauch, teaching assistant professor in Captive Wild Animal Management, was planning a pop quiz. But it was Strauch who got the bigger surprise when members of the CAFNR administration "popped" in with a Golden Apple Award.

The award is designed to recognize faculty in the College who excel and go "above and beyond" in teaching and advising.

Strauch has a joint appointment in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences and Animal Sciences. She was hired initially to help implement the Captive Wild Animal Management (CWAM) minor. Those duties include the teaching of two courses, which she has developed from scratch.

"Trista’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching resonate very strongly with students," said Rod Geisert, director of the Division of Animal Sciences at CAFNR. "Her excitement about CWAM has been instrumental in a very successful launch of the minor. Her first offering had about 50 students; this year it has over 80!"

Mark Ryan, director of the School of Natural Resources, spent a week teaching the course with her last year. "I know the student excitement about the course comes not from easy grades, but from her exceptional teaching," he said. "She built a well-organized course, with a combination of standard lectures, problem cases, guest speakers and class discussion that created a wonderful learning environment.

"Our problem case was designed as a 'mini-capstone' assignment," he continued. "I was deeply impressed by how students knew, and how deeply they understood the underlying concepts. There is no question in my mind that they had learned a ton during the semester."

Strauch earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from MU in animal sciences. Her Ph.D. in physiology of reproduction was awarded by Texas A&M University. She served as a post-doctoral research scientist at the Animal Physiology Research Unit in Columbia.

CWAM is designed to introduce students to components of wild animal management. Strauch does this by introducing them to leading professionals in the field. She has arranged to have 15 guest speakers so far – many international leaders in their field of expertise. Students interact with these speakers to discuss career paths and possible internship/employment opportunities.

Students also attend field trips to zoos, deer farms and bird sanctuaries around the country. "Dr. Strauch presents students with problems/case studies near the end of the semester to encourage integration of the material presented in class," Ryan said. "The course and field trips were an overwhelming success with the students as indicated by the student course evaluations."

The Captive Animal Management minor has not stopped growing. Currently there are 137 students interested in the minor with 99 on track to complete the minor.

"Her office is constantly occupied by students – and not just those from CWAM," said Ryan. "Again, students learn quickly where to go to get good advice and answers to their questions."

Strauch also serves as the adviser for the MU Herpetology Society, is actively involved with recruiting activities of CAFNR and assists with the Summer Welcome. "In addition, Dr. Strauch makes over 20 trips to develop potential internship sponsors and employers for the minor," Geisert said. "I believe that her dedication and success in teaching and advising in a totally new program exemplifies the purpose of the CAFNR Golden Apple Teaching Award."

To be eligible for the CAFNR Golden Apple award, faculty members must demonstrate clarity, variability and enthusiasm. They need to be accessible to students, helpful, personable and act as a mentor that students can turn to for advice and direction.

Nominees should be well-prepared for classes and encourage creative work. They should demonstrate how they provide opportunities for learning, teaching to clearly established objectives and expectations.

"Trista is an excellent young teacher," Ryan said. "I have no doubt she will earn many future awards for her teaching. A Golden Apple from CAFNR will be the perfect beginning!"

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Captive Wild Animal Management Minor

Posted Feb. 27, 2009
Story and photos: Randy Mertens