LECTURER -- Bornak, Jillian
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My background is in astronomy where I investigated dust formation in classical novae, which are explosions caused by thermonuclear runaway reactions on the surface of a white dwarf. While I am a researcher by training I am a teacher by choice. I incorporate active learning in my classrooms to engage students. I teach introduction to astronomy (ASTR 1010), general physics (PHYS 2070, PHYS 1750, PHYS 2100), and freshman orientation (NSM 1000). I am fascinated with long-term collection & analysis of student performance and feedback in my classes; seriously, ask to see my graphs over tea or coffee sometime. I am honored to have received the 2017 Provost Outstanding Teacher Award and the 2015 March Shining Star Award. In 2022 I was awarded the rank of Distinguished University Lecturer. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, video games, archery, rock hounding, and sharing my house with birds. In college I wrote an informal black holes education site that still stands today. Office: MH 4008, fourth floor of McMaster Hall room 4008 |