Dr. Christine Gervasi Recognized as Distinguished Nominee for Ember Award

The Department of Biological Sciences is honored to announce that Dr. Christine Gervasi has been selected as a Distinguished Nominee for the Ember Award.  The Ember Award recognizes those individuals who promote engagement, support community, and ensure that students feel supported throughout their time at UAlbany. As a Distinguished Nominee, Christine will be recognized for her outstanding commitment to undergraduate students and her contributions to the UAlbany community at the Annual Academic Innovator Awards ceremony being held on Thursday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom.

Christine’s nomination reflects nearly two decades of dedicated service as an instructor and mentor for first-year students in the biological sciences. As coordinator of the ABIO 201/202Z General Biology laboratory courses, she has guided hundreds of students each semester through a critical transition period in their academic careers. Her efforts help students develop essential scientific skills while building the confidence needed to succeed in their studies.

In the classroom, Christine promotes a learning environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to actively engage with course material. She promotes curiosity and collaboration, encouraging both students and teaching assistants to ask questions and work together to better understand key concepts. She also seeks feedback and revises her curriculum to maintain a high standard of excellence.

Christine’s impact extends far beyond the many undergraduates she has taught. She has also mentored hundreds of graduate students in her role as a Teaching Assistant (TA) supervisor, shaping not only their understanding of course material but also their development as educators. Under her guidance, TAs learn how to design courses, manage classrooms effectively, and stay organized. She also exposes them to another side of academia beyond research, emphasizing the value and impact of teaching. Some of our strongest instructors at the University today trace their teaching foundations back to Christine’s mentorship, and the many others who have gone on to careers beyond academia and continue to carry those same teaching skills and approaches into their life-long careers.

In addition to her teaching and departmental service, Christine has also been an active member of UAlbany’s Pre-Health Committee. As a member of this University-wide committee, she supports students pursuing careers in healthcare by reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and providing input for letters of recommendation. Christine’s involvement with the Pre-Health Committee plays an important role in supporting each student’s goal of having a career in the medical field.

Beyond the classroom, Christine works closely with faculty, staff, and teaching assistants to support the mission and goals of the University, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Biological Sciences through her role as Chair of the Department’s Recruitment Committee. As Chair of this very important committee, Christine volunteers’ countless hours preparing materials and coordinating participation for key outreach and engagement events such as the UAlbany’s “Open House” and the annual “Munch with the Majors.” Through Open House, she helps prospective students, families and friends feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the Department’s programs even before enrolling at UAlbany. As part of “Munch with the Majors,” she supports current UAlbany students as they learn more about the Department of Biological Sciences majors and minors and the different career paths associated with them.

Christine’s commitment to service reaches beyond the University. She also serves as Secretary of the Friends of Thacher Park Board of Trustees which supports environmental education, public engagement, and various community programs. She also demonstrates her support in the arts and community by being an active member with the Capital Region Octavo Singers. Together, these efforts highlight Christine’s dedication to building much-need connections both on campus and beyond.

At this time, the Department of Biological Sciences congratulates Christine on being recognized through her excellence in instruction, mentorship, and service as a Distinguished Nominee for the Ember Award—A job well-done!