Pamela Sandstrom, a professor in the Department of Biology, has been named a recipient of the F. Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher Award, one of the University of Nevada, Reno’s highest honors, recognizing sustained excellence in teaching.

From sage on stage to collaborative approach

Sandstrom joined the University in 2007. In addition to teaching students and working with faculty, she has implemented and expanded the Biology Peer Instruction and Learning Assistant programs. Sandstrom worked in tandem with Elena Pravosudova, associate biology department chair, and the two decided to flip the classroom, “breaking down the wall of the large lecture hall,” and organized students to facilitate class discussions.

“Our talented undergraduates serve as ‘Learning Assistants’ and move throughout the room to guide their peers through challenging problems,” Sandstrom said. “This transforms a high-enrollment lecture into a more personal and interactive learning environment.” 

Bringing innovation like that to teaching is just one pillar of excellence Sandstrom brings to her work. She has also developed courses for pre-allied health and preprofessional students, and she led the creation of "Molecular Genetics" as an alternative upper-division requirement that emphasizes both scientific and societal perspectives.

“While my style has shifted away from the ‘sage on a stage’ model toward a collaborative approach, I work to ensure none of the 14,000 students I have taught feel like just a number.”

“While my style has shifted away from the ‘sage on a stage’ model toward a collaborative approach, I work to ensure none of the 14,000 students I have taught feel like just a number,” she said.

Continued awards, recognition

The Tibbits honor is not her first: in 2004 Sandstrom was awarded the Paul and Judy Bible Teaching Excellence Award. She has also received the Nevada Regents’ teaching and advising accolades. This honor will be her fourth at the Honor The Best ceremony, the annual celebration recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of the University of Nevada community.

“Professor Sandstrom is an example of the true impact faculty have, inside and outside of the classroom,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Jeff Thompson. “She sets a high standard for what it means to be an exceptional faculty member. Pamela is known to combine academic rigor with genuine care for student learning and success.”

Since 2015, Sandstrom has served as chair of the Department of Biology Curriculum Committee, helping lead a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum update. Her contributions have been recognized with repeated recognition as a mentor for Senior Scholars and Westfall Scholars.

Below, Sandstrom reflects on her teaching philosophy, her career at the University and the moments that have shaped her approach to education.

Q&A with Pamela Sandstrom

What do you enjoy most about teaching at the University?

“I love that teaching here has allowed me to build enduring relationships; my students truly become a second family. Whether I’m celebrating a student’s improvement in a biology class, sharing a moment at graduation, or photographing a former student at their Med school match, those connections drive me. Serving as a mentor for 18 Westfall Scholars and eight Senior Scholars across three colleges proves that the impact of a biology education reaches far beyond a single department.”

How has your teaching style evolved over the course of your career?

“In my 25th year at the University, I look back fondly on my time as a biochemistry graduate student where I first discovered my love for teaching as a TA. I am grateful that when I received my doctorate nearly 20 years ago, I had already realized I wanted a career focused on education. While my style has shifted away from the ‘sage on a stage’ model toward a collaborative approach, I work to ensure none of the 14,000 students I have taught feel like just a number. I now rely on an army of more than 500 undergraduate peer leaders who make a large university feel like a close-knit support system.”

Fun fact: What is something your students might be surprised to learn about you?

“I’ve had some close calls. I was on top of the World Trade Center during the first week of September 2001 and in Phuket just before the 2004 tsunami! But one of my more recent Nevada feats was when I lost my iPhone while snowboarding and found it buried under fresh snow two days later on Christmas. It is a good metaphor for my teaching philosophy: stay resilient, keep searching and you’ll find the connection you are looking for.”

What do you hope students take away from your classes?

“I want my students to leave with the critical thinking toolkit necessary for the next generation of scientists."

“I want my students to leave with the critical thinking toolkit necessary for the next generation of scientists. As a first-generation student from a rural community, I am passionate about making complex science accessible and ensuring students from all backgrounds feel they belong in the field. Through our new 'Molecular Genetics' course, I hope they see the profound scientific and societal impact of heredity. More importantly, I want them to know they are part of a legacy of peer leadership.”

Can you share a moment in your teaching career that has been especially meaningful?

“It was a joy to have President Sandoval and my colleagues surprise me in class for both the Bible Award in 2024 and this Tibbitts honor! This is my fourth recognition at Honor the Best, having previously received the Nevada Regents’ teaching and advising awards. Because my family couldn’t attend those earlier ceremonies due to work and pandemic restrictions, having them present for these recent honors is deeply meaningful. It is also rewarding to see programs I’ve championed thrive, from founding MEDLIFE Nevada in 2013 to launching the NSF Noyce Grant with Mandi Collins. Supporting the types of communities where I grew up feels like a full-circle moment in my career.”