2026 MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award Winners

Excellence in Teaching Award

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award! One master’s and one doctoral student are chosen by faculty from a broad disciplinary area. The award recognizes the importance of excellence in teaching and mentoring as a component of graduate education and the preparation of graduate students for future service as college and university faculty.

Lauren Hopkins

Social Psychology Ph.D.
Advisors: Drs. Christopher Federico and Eugene Borgida

Kira Balentine

Computer Science MS
Advisor: Dr. Eman Ramadan

Lauren and Kira are nominated by the University of Minnesota to the national 2026 MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award competition.