ECE lecturer named Buckeye Access All-Star for inclusive teaching efforts

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Puentes

Students with disabilities often face obstacles to finding equal and inclusive ground in the classroom. Teachers must also make the effort to remove those obstacles in any way they can.

Electrical & Computer Engineering Lecturer, Isabel Fernandez-Puentes recently earned the Spring 2021 Buckeye Access All-Star award from Ohio State University’s Student Life Disability Services for such efforts.

To receive the recognition, students guide the process by nominating faculty who made a difference in their lives each semester. 

Fernandez-Puentes reportedly won for her ease and responsiveness to students, as well as making the learning environment more accessible and inclusive.

An anonymous nominating student wrote, “Her organization of the course’s Carmen page is unparalleled, and is a huge asset as a student with ADHD. All other professors should use what she does as a guide to putting their courses on Carmen. She also has weekly check ins and is very responsive to students and understanding, and responds quickly. She also sends out surveys asking how she can improve the class and provided tips from past students of the class in the beginning of the semester to help us start the course. I’m lucky to have gotten her as a professor."

Office of Student Life Director Cheryl Lyons said faculty and staff are key campus partners in advancing a culture of access and inclusion across campus. 

Student Life Disability Services recognized 48 individuals among the Spring 2021 Buckeye Access All-Stars from across the university.