Lizzy Kim

Spring 2026 Winner

Lizzy Kim’s teaching philosophy centers on active, inquiry-based learning and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), developed while teaching biology and microbiology laboratories at Baylor University. Drawing on her prior experience leading human anatomy dissections, she prioritizes hands-on problem solving over rote memorization. By providing individualized guidance, visual demonstrations, and real-world clinical connections, Kim fosters an inclusive environment tailored to diverse student learning styles and backgrounds. Mindy Syharat, Bioscience Laboratory Coordinator, says, "Lizzy is exceptionally organized, thorough, patient, and adaptable. She recognizes that students enter the laboratory with diverse backgrounds, confidence levels, and learning needs, and she tailors her teaching to meet them. She encourages every student and takes the time to explain not only the steps of a protocol but also the 'why' behind them."

Beyond the laboratory, Kim has demonstrated strong pedagogical leadership and mentorship across campus. She helped coordinate Baylor’s first unified Student Research Week, served as Vice President and Secretary of the Biology Graduate Student Society, and has directly mentored 12 undergraduate researchers through experimental design, laboratory protocols, and data analysis. Her commitment to mentorship emphasizes empowering students through evidence-based, collaborative instruction.

What Students Say

Lizzy's greatest strength as an instructor is her ability to combine academic knowledge with genuine care for her students... She created an environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and learning from their mistakes.