Rebekah Markillie |
Chemistry professor Sister Angela Hoffman has another accomplishment under her belt. In addition to her six patents and research on Taxol, a known anti-cancer drug, Hoffman received the Outstanding Teacher in Science and Mathematics, Higher Education Award at the Oregon Academy of Science awards on Feb. 22.
“I don’t know how I got nominated but someone did and they decided to give me the award,” Hoffman said.
Despite her modesty, chemistry Department Chair Kevin Cantrell, believes Hoffman deserves the award.
“I think the biggest outstanding characteristic about her is her work ethic, dedication,” Cantrell said. “She does the work of like 10 other people. She is always committed, always here, always available to the students. She’s just incredibly hardworking at doing science and teaching students.”
One of Hoffman’s biochemistry students, junior Silvia Plascencia, who also helps with her research agrees that she is dedicated to her students.
“In class she’s very good at drawing in on topics related to what we’re studying in class that are relevant in the field or what’s trending. Say that there’s a new medicine coming out, she mentions it and ask us ‘do you think this will really work?’ ‘or ‘do you think this diet trend makes sense?’” Placencia said. “She’s very enthusiastic about what she teaches. She has a big interest in medicinal biochemistry and I know that’s something she’s mentioned she’d love to teach. She’s always willing to help during office hours, too. She’s overall really open.”
Hoffman first started at the University of Portland part-time in 1988 teaching biology, but returned to school to get a degree in chemistry.
“I think chemistry is better, no offense to biology,” Hoffman said. “I think chemistry is interesting because you don’t have to memorize very much; you can figure things out. It’s all strategy. It’s practical. It’s kind of like a puzzle.”
At the event Hoffman hoped to find out who nominated her but she was unsuccessful.
“I asked (who) but they said it didn’t matter ‘but I want to tell them thank you,’” Hoffman said. “But they still didn’t tell me.”
Cantrell, doesn’t know who nominated her either.
“(I’m) Not even sure who the nominating committee is for (the Oregon Academy of Science) but it could possibly involve any of the neighboring schools. It could have been someone here, I don’t know.”
Hoffman isn’t the first from the University of Portland to receive this award. Anatomy professor Terry Favero and physics professor Robert Butler both have as well.
“(It’s) because we have people who know how to teach!” Hoffman said. “We’re a good school, what can I say?”
