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Kansas State honors New London native

Jacob Pichelmeyer of New London received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at Kansas State University.

The five award recipients including Pichelmeyer, a graduate teaching assistant in mathematics, are recognized for serving students with compassion, dedication and creativity.

Pichelmeyer

A doctoral student in mathematics, Pichelmeyer has taught a variety of courses — from College Algebra to Applied Matrix Theory — for the mathematics department since August 2016.

His teaching has received high marks, with many students noting he prepares them not just to do their homework but to apply the mathematics they are taught.

His teaching extends outside the classroom. Pichelmeyer created a directed reading program at the university, which is based on a successful project at the University of Chicago. The program pairs interested undergraduates — not all math majors — with graduate students to read materials together, providing a guide for the undergraduates to successfully interact with real mathematics and helping the graduate students solidify their knowledge.

He also created and was the instructor for a new prep course in topology for graduate students that was offered last summer.

During the summers, Pichelmeyer is a teacher for the Center for Talented Youth, a summer instruction program for gifted students who need support and inspiration beyond the usual high school curriculum. The program is offered through Johns Hopkins University.

Pichelmeyer was awarded $5,000 and will be honored at the All-University Awards Ceremony on May 7.

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