Dr. Steven L. Petersen

2012 Early Career Teaching Award

The Range Science Education Council and the Society for Range Management proudly present the 2012 Early Career Teaching Award to Dr. Steven L. Petersen of the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences at Brigham Young University. The Early Career Teaching Award recognizes individuals who are in the early stages of their career who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate students.

Dr. Petersen has taught a wide variety of courses, first at Oregon State University and, more recently, at Brigham Young University. In addition to a demanding teaching load, Dr. Petersen also co-advises the Wildlife and Range Club and coaches the BYU Plant ID Team. He is known as being a dynamic, well-prepared, and engaging educator. He is dedicated to improving the learning experience of undergraduate students, using a variety of learning experiences to not only convey information and understanding, but to also pique their interest and curiosity.

Dr. Petersen is described by students as a natural and creative teacher, welcoming, enthusiastic, dedicated, and even “amazing”. They are particularly appreciative of his positive, welcoming attitude, and his willingness to devote time and attention to each student who stops by his office, regardless of his other duties and commitments. One student described him as the students’ “greatest cheerleader”. He has a hands-on approach to learning that students enjoy; one student suggested that it appeared that Dr. Petersen didn’t think students were learning if their hands weren’t dirty! The practical, field-oriented learning opportunities that he gives students provide them with not only wonderful memories, but also practical experiences that they use after graduation.

Despite being a relatively new instructor, Dr. Steven Petersen has clearly excelled in this role, and has been a positive influence on his students and the profession. For his outstanding contributions in the classroom and beyond, the Range Science Education Council and Society for Range Management are proud to recognize Dr. Steven L. Petersen with the 2012 Early Career Teaching Award.