Diana Driscoll likes to ask her students, “Why do we care?” The inspiration for that challenge came from a former student who ended each class by asking her that same question. 

“He was not being disrespectful,” she said. “He really wanted to understand the connection between physics and real life.”

Driscoll likes to make sure that her students never leave her classroom or extra-help sessions without getting the answers they came to solve. She’s willing to stay as long as it takes, even if it means changing her plans for the day. It’s that intense personal connection that sparks admiration from her students. 

“Nothing seemed to matter to her more than students understanding and finding a love for the subject she obviously cherishes,” said one of her nominators.

Driscoll, instructor and introductory lab director for the Department of Physics, is a recipient of the 2020 Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. 

She will receive the award during commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 17.

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