A graduate student who strives to spark a passion for mathematics in his students has been recognized with the 2009-2010 School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Outstanding Teaching Award.

The award honors Teaching Assistant Brian Streit, who recently graduated with a master’s degree in applied mathematics.  He was recognized for making a positive impact on student education.

“I enjoy teaching because it is fun and gives you an opportunity to make a positive impact on your students,” Streit said. “I like what I do, and I try to make learning math as pleasant an experience as I can.”

Students, faculty and staff nominate educators for the annual award. The award, which included a glass plaque and a stipend of $500, was presented by Dr. Myron Salamon, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Streit assisted two senior lecturers, Dr. Paul Stanford and Dr. Anatoly Eydelzon, in teaching differential calculus and multivariable calculus.

“Brian went out of this way to be helpful to me and to our students,” Stanford said.  “He repeatedly surprised me with his dedication and willingness to volunteer for additional effort, such as staging weekend reviews for our students. Brian is courteous, knowledgeable, highly competent and a delight to work with.”

Streit is moving on to Baylor University, where he will pursue a PhD in pure mathematics this fall.

“The fact that I made a big enough difference in my students’ lives for them to nominate me for this award means a great deal to me. It is good to know that the students have appreciated my work,” Streit said.