
The UW-Madison Department of Chemistry presented the 2022 James W. Taylor Teaching Award to Liana Lamont, a former biochemistry graduate student who received her Ph.D. in 2006. Lamont was a member of the Kimble Lab.
Lamont shared her instructional expertise and philosophy last month in a talk titled, “General Chemistry Curriculum Redesign – Successes and Challenges.” During her presentation, Lamont shared what she’s learned in her career, including how to use impostor syndrome as a motivator, without falling into self doubt.
“This award feels validating and I appreciate it very much,” Lamont said, sharing credit with her colleagues and how the team shares their strengths. “I have tried to use impostor syndrome as a healthy driver to seek collaboration and engagement. My doubts and insecurity helped me to forge these relationships with collaborators.”
She appreciates her time teaching Chemistry 103 and 104, which helped her better understand how students and teaching assistants interact with learning materials, an understanding she has applied to her work with general chemistry classes and curricula.
Lamont also looked to the future, hoping the department will continue fine tuning the curriculum and help students learn in more active and inclusive ways, with advanced tools, and continued collaboration.
“Her impact has been absolutely huge,” said chemistry professor Thomas Brunold. Brunold added that students felt comfortable attending Lamont’s office hours and asking questions, and that she made many who feared chemistry, love it. “Her work is highly praised by her students and fellow instructors.”
A version of this story originally appeared on the Department of Chemistry website and was written by Tatum Lyles Flick.