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Dr. Vicki Chanon, Teaching Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Dr. Chanon is an extraordinary educator whose innovative and inclusive teaching practices have left a lasting impact on her students. Over her years at UNC, Dr. Chanon has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fostering a welcoming and engaging learning environment, even in large classes of 120+ students. Students consistently highlight her ability to make complex material accessible and her passion for making each lecture memorable.

Dr. Chanon’s teaching incorporates creative, hands-on activities that bring psychological and neuroscientific concepts to life. From using taste-altering powders to explore the gustatory system to simulating neuronal networks with myelin sheaths, she captivates students’ attention and transforms abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences. As one student shared, “You never know what you’re going to do next in her class, and that excitement makes learning unforgettable.” Another student noted, “How could you not have fun while you learned about the ocular pathway when the class format allows for you and your peers to test one another on eye perception?”

Inclusivity is at the heart of Dr. Chanon’s pedagogy. She learns every student’s name within weeks, even in her largest classes, and uses active learning strategies like think-pair-share, Poll Everywhere, and guided notes to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to participate. Her flexible and supportive approach accommodates diverse student needs, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in the classroom. Additionally, her integration of current cognitive psychology research into her methods, including active recall and low-stakes assessments, enables students to develop a deep understanding of the material while minimizing stress.

Dr. Chanon’s enthusiasm for her field is infectious. Her ability to blend interactive discussions with cutting-edge research inspires students not only to master the material but also to explore it further on their own. As one student remarked, “Her passion for psychology is contagious, and her lectures are so engaging that I found myself replaying her comments in my head while answering exam questions.”

Due to her unwavering dedication to student learning and her remarkable contributions to the intellectual community at UNC-Chapel Hill, it is with great pleasure that the University Teaching Awards Committee presents Dr. Vicki Chanon with the Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

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