Filios recognized as Outstanding TA

Cheni Filos
Cheni Filos

From Frank Rossi:

Polyxeni (Cheni) Filios was recognized as an Outstanding Teaching Assistant in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at an award ceremony on Wednesday May 9, 2012. Filios was nominated by Professors Bill Miller and Frank Rossi for her work in Production and Marketing of Greenhouse Crops (HORT 3100) and Horticultural Science and Systems (HORT 1101).

In presenting her the award, Rossi conveyed comments from Miller stating, “Cheni proactively developed a series of nutrient deficiencies in the test plants that gave a living, visual opportunity for the students to see real nutrient problems. In fact, she directed two undergraduates in this project, thus extending her influence as a TA, and giving excellent learning experiences to undergraduate assistants.

“She also was directly involved in planning out three-day field trip to Canada. She had previously visited many greenhouses in the Niagara peninsula of Ontario, and has valuable opinions on who to visit, what would be pros and cons of various stops, etc. Finally, she did both professor and students a great service by conceiving a clearer and more interesting approach to the final writing assignment related to the trip.”

Rossi supported Cheni’s Award by expressing “how much the students enjoyed learning from Cheni, especially her easy rapport with them. Students commented how they appreciated her lectures that made learning horticulture more fun. Cheni went above and beyond the duties of TA’ing with her willingness to meet with students and discuss their writing assignments. Finally, as part of the TA assignment, Cheni was required to prepare food as part of the ‘crop of the week’ aspect of the course. Her culinary expertise was always a topic of conversation in class further reinforcing the educational objectives of the course.

“Cheni’s work ethic, creativity and rapport with the students represents the best of teaching assistants in the Department.”

Congratulations Cheni!

Filios (left) working with students in Horticultural Science and Systems class.
Filios (left) working with students in Horticultural Science and Systems class.

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