The College of Science is proud to announce that Olajumoke Mary Ayeni, Ph.D. Candidate and Teaching Fellow in UNT Chemistry, received this year’s Outstanding Teaching Fellows/Teaching Assistants Award from the UNT Faculty Senate!

 

 

Mary became a Teaching Fellow in Fall 2025, serving as an instructor of record for CHEM 1410 (General Chemistry I Lecture). This semester she has been the instructor of record in a Teaching Fellow position for the Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory. 
 
Her interdisciplinary chemistry research as a doctoral candidate is positioned at the intersection of Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry and Chemistry Education Research, bridging the gap between experimental research, pedagogy in inorganic chemistry, and real-world practice, ensuring students gain relevant knowledge and skills. She utilizes her expertise as a synthetic chemist and chemistry educator to develop her approach to instruction. 
 
"I implement lab experiments that involve authentic research experiences for undergraduates,” she said. “My research uses eye tracking technology and interviews to investigate how undergraduate students interpret theories of molecular symmetry from an asset-based perspective, to improve on instructional strategies that help students analyze the detailed features of tasks or scenarios to extract actionable information. I also design Python-based tools to help students investigate molecules.”

 

Mary believes that every student has the capacity to learn deeply and succeed, even in subjects traditionally perceived as difficult, as long as the instruction is intentional and paired with high expectations and structured support.

 

“When students are challenged and supported without lowering standards, it encourages curiosity and growth through mistakes, so that all learners feel capable and valued,” she said. In my classes, students actively engage in learning through collaborative activities that help them brainstorm ideas, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment while receiving timely instructional support. I prioritize meaningful learning over memorizing isolated facts and helping students understand chemistry by connecting it to everyday experiences and prior knowledge, using clear models and conceptual connections to make learning more meaningful.”

 

Mary cited her own mentors, Dr. Molly Atkinson and Dr. Mohammad Omary, as instrumental in her professional growth and development as both a researcher and an educator.

 

“I would like to thank them for their continued support and for always cheering me on. A big shoutout to Dr. Rong Zhang as well, who was my Faculty Mentor for CHEM 1410 last Fall 2025 and an amazing mentor, generous with ideas and insightful suggestions, and always ready to support,” she said. “All three of these faculty mentors have in one way or the other told me: 'I believe in you…You’ve got this… You are ready for this… I am sure you will do great.' Knowing someone has so much faith in you really boosts your confidence in yourself!”

 

During her time at UNT, Mary found teaching to be one of the most rewarding parts of her academic experience.

“It is wonderful to be part of an institution that so clearly values the contributions of its Teaching Fellows,” she said. “I am looking forward to making even greater contributions to student engagement, skill building, and mentorship in the coming semesters.”