In her role as a teacher, Shannon Knight has been unwaveringly committed to fostering a learning environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating. One student praised her “unique way of simplifying the material without compromising its depth. She often used real-world analogies and interactive discussions to ensure we grasped key principles in a way that fostered long-term understanding.” According to one MIT faculty member, Knight “brings science to life” noting that students leave labs “relaxed, energized, and excited about science — simply because Shannon was there.” She has a gift for making everyone feel comfortable, creating a space where students are eager to learn, ask questions, and share ideas.
Knight is a fifth year PhD student in Brain and Cognitive Sciences.
Haley Nakamura has greatly enriched the experiences of her students with her exceptional teaching and organizational skills, positive demeanor, and meticulous attention to detail. Her readiness to interact with students, not only fosters a lively learning environment, but also ensures no question goes unanswered. One MIT faculty member identified Nakamura’s “superpower” as “her ability to look into her students and adjust her explanations to match what each student needs.” According to her students, Nakamura’s sustained commitment to student learning, teaching excellence, and community leadership has made “transformative impacts” on their lives and learning.
Nakamura is a MEng student in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
