Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies and MCB lecturer Martin Samuels has received a Certificate of Distinction in Teaching Award from the Bok Center, or “Q Award,” which distinguishes teachers who have earned a rating of 4.5 or higher from student evaluations. The rating signifies that Samuels is a popular and effective teacher, guiding several undergraduates towards academic careers in MCB labs.
“As the head tutor of the MCB concentration, I have been eyewitness to the amazing transformation in esprit de corpse that Marty Samuels has brought to his job,” said MCB professor Vlad Denic. “Whether it’s by helping MCB concentrators choose their own 100-level adventures, giving them sensible advice on how to choose a lab, or coming to the rescue of those students in need of course requirement substitutions or exceptions to their senior thesis writing, Marty has become an invaluable asset to the MCB community.”
Samuels teaches Life and Physical Sciences A and MCB 65 classes alongside his administrative work. He attended the University of Chicago before coming to Harvard for his graduate work in DNA replication and repair, earning his PhD in Biochemistry from MCB in David Jeruzalmi’s lab.
“I have no doubt that Marty’s “make it personal” style was the real draw for many undecided students last year who ended up deciding to join our MCB family,” Denic said. “On a personal note, Marty has brought a rare sense of humor to his job that makes me look forward to my administrative meetings with him.”
