The Department of English is pleased to announce that Nick Hoffman and Liz Miller have won the 2022 Graduate Associate Teaching Award (GATA). The GATA recognizes Graduate Teaching Associates (GTA) who demonstrate exceptional teaching abilities. 

Liz Miller is in her final year in the Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacyprogram. Her dissertation project explores humanities graduate students’ mental health experiences through a material rhetorical perspective, and her research interests include material rhetorics, disability studies, digital media and composition pedagogies. She says the award is a high point in her academic career, stating, “I take very seriously my commitment to my students, and I do my best to ensure my classes are accessible, open spaces where we can all collaboratively explore a topic and develop knowledge together.” Teaching during the pandemic has shown Miller more ways to support students and form connections with them. She hopes to continue building supportive spaces in the classroom for her students. 

Nick Hoffman is a PhD student specializing in medievalism and gender and sexuality studies. His dissertation, Tactile Theology: Gender, Misogyny, and Possibility in Medieval English Literature, explores how acts of touching in English literature from the Middle Ages can be used as a tool for exploring gender and theological issues. Hoffman was first attracted to Ohio State for its “sense of community and the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience,” and says that winning the GATA is a testament to “the community here in the English department.” He says he is humbled to receive the award, and reflects on how his own instructors had a positive impact on his life. “Receiving the GATA makes me think about all the talented, passionate and compassionate graduate instructors I’ve had the privilege to learn from along the way.” 

Congratulations again to Nick Hoffman and Liz Miller for winning the GATA!