DUBOIS– Instructor in Wildlife Technology Emily Thomas has been named the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF) Educator of the Year at Penn State DuBois.
She was presented with the award during the annual Commencement Luncheon held on campus Saturday. Nominations for the award come from the students themselves, and each year the DEF presents the award to a Penn State DuBois faculty member who has made a difference in the lives of students.
Thomas is an alumna of the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology program. She works closely with students during both classroom activities and outdoor labs. She has a particular research focus on birds.
“As well as being a top-notch teacher, Ms. Thomas is an excellent advisor,” said DEF Board Member David Bish, who presented the award. “She goes above and beyond offering curricular guidance by coaching students on the preparation of job applications, résumés, and cover letters.
“Ms. Thomas offers many other opportunities for students to work with other agencies and organizations around the state, such as deer or turkey trapping with the Pennsylvania Game Commission or Northern Goshawk nest searching in the Allegheny National Forest or even bird banding at public banding demonstrations,” Bish said.
One student who nominated Thomas for the award said, “She is the best advisor I ever had. I have learned a great deal from her and landed two jobs over the last two summers with her help on my résumés and cover letters. Her labs are very hands-on and always fun.”
Thomas humbly explained that all the things she does that earned her this honor, are things she does simply for the love of doing them. She said, “I’m very grateful. Everything the students mentioned I realy enjoy doing. So, it’s nice to be honored with this award from my students for doing what I love. An honor from them is the greatest accomplishment. They are why we are here.”