The College of Education and Human Sciences recently recognized three outstanding graduate students for their excellence in teaching and research.

Pamela Gonzalez Sanchez and Heather Pidcock were honored with the Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student Award, and Paul Hunhoff was awarded the Outstanding Research by a Graduate Student Award.

Pamela Gonzalez Sanchez received the Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student Award and is currently in the process of earning a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences, set to graduate this summer. Gonzalez Sanchez has served as a graduate teaching assistant and instructor for a wide variety of undergraduate classes in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, successfully leading class groups ranging from first-year to senior students.

Gonzalez Sanchez takes pride in witnessing the positive impact of her work in the classroom through teaching, and in the community through research-based nutrition education programs.

“Pamela is going to be such an asset to her new tenure-track job in the fall teaching and mentoring dietetic students in the classroom and the lab,” said Dr. Jill Joyce, associate professor and graduate coordinator for the Department of Nutritional Sciences. “Several students have reached out to let us know how valuable her teaching was in being prepared for research and medical professional school.”

Heather Pidcock, another recipient of the Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student Award, is currently working toward her master’s degree in functional apparel design. With a goal to continue teaching higher education, Pidcock is most proud of herself for taking the initiative to not only return to school to complete her bachelor’s degree but also continue her academic journey by committing to a graduate degree program in the Department of Design and Merchandising. 

During her time as a graduate student at Oklahoma State, Pidcock taught both basic and intermediate apparel production for undergraduate students.

“Although still early in her academic career as an M.S. student, she has already demonstrated a remarkable level of instructional skill, mentorship, professionalism and dedication to student success that rivals far more experienced educators,” said Dr. Aditya Jayadas, associate professor and graduate coordinator for the Department of Design and Merchandising. “Her teaching goes beyond technical instruction, helping students develop confidence, persistence, and a stronger sense of identity as emerging designers. “

“I deeply value the opportunity to mentor students and watch them grow, not only academically but into confident young adults,” Pidcock said of her experience teaching undergraduate classes.

Paul Hunhoff was recognized with the Outstanding Research by a Graduate Student award while completing his Ph.D. in educational psychology. After finishing his degree, Hunhoff plans to join the Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University as an assistant teaching professor.

Hunhoff’s research focused on understanding how young people use digital media in ways that can help or hurt their sense of connection, finishing his degree with a dissertation that analyzed whether college students’ levels of loneliness can be shaped by social goals and self-regulation habits.

“I'm particularly interested in pushing back against the 'all screen time is bad' narrative and instead learning under what conditions young people can actually use digital platforms constructively,” Hunhoff said. “My hope is that this work offers real guidance for young people and the adults in their lives navigating an increasingly digital world.”

Associate professor of educational psychology Dr. Chia-chen Yang says Hunhoff’s leadership and collaborative spirit are among his many admirable traits. “This award is a well-deserved recognition of his scholarly promise and meaningful contributions to the field of youth digital wellness,” she said.

Story By: Faith Frantz | faith.frantz@okstate.edu