The 2023 Academic Staff Excellence Awards winners have been announced and we are happy to share that our faculty associate Johanna Oosterwyk is one of eight employees who have been recognized for their outstanding work. Oosterwyk is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Hilldale Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison recognizes outstanding academic staff each year who have excelled in leadership, public service, research, and teaching. Recipients demonstrate dedication the university’s mission and further the Wisconsin Idea beyond campus and the state.

“Johanna makes sure students have fun while effortlessly intertwining technology, innovation and theory in a way that forces them to think outside the box.”

— Calli Anibas, research specialist and assistant, Department of Agronomy

A horticulture instructor, Oosterwyk demonstrated remarkable adaptability and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the limitations imposed by the pandemic on in-person instruction, Oosterwyk took the initiative to record weekly videos showcasing the growth of the campus crops. This allowed her students to stay connected to the practical aspects of their studies even when they couldn’t physically tend to the crops themselves. Additionally, she went the extra mile by sending plant materials to her students, enabling them to conduct experiments safely from home.

Oosterwyk’s teaching style has gained widespread acclaim, with students praising her as a creative, engaging, empathetic, and welcoming instructor. Her dedication to her students is evident in the glowing five-star evaluations she consistently receives. She continuously adapts her course content to align with emerging trends in horticulture. For instance, in response to increased student interest in food crops, she developed a course called Horticulture 333: Survey of Controlled Environment Food Production. This course provides an introductory and comprehensive overview of indoor cultivation techniques for food crops, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of her students.

As a guest lecturer, Oosterwyk brings her energetic presence and expert knowledge to the classroom. She skillfully connects learning with outreach by involving her students in projects that benefit the community. For example, students in one of her courses sow seeds and care for plants that are later provided to community partners. This hands-on experience not only enhances the students’ learning but also serves as a valuable contribution to the local community.

Furthermore, Oosterwyk’s role as the manager of the D.C. Smith Greenhouse demonstrates her exceptional organizational skills. She adeptly handles requests for space within the greenhouse, optimizing its utilization as a vital asset on campus. Her ability to coordinate and manage the greenhouse’s operations efficiently ensures that it remains a thriving hub for horticultural activities and research.

Overall, Johanna Oosterwyk exemplifies an outstanding instructor who goes above and beyond to engage her students, adapt to changing circumstances, and make a positive impact through her teaching and outreach efforts in the field of horticulture.

Congratulations, Johanna!