Caitilyn Allen, a professor of plant pathology and women’s studies, was awarded the American Phytopathological Society’s Excellence in Teaching Award in August at the society’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas.

The award committee praised Allen’s use of innovative, student-directed lab exercises and the independent research opportunities she offers to undergraduates. Allen has also been recognized with a Distinguished Teaching Award at the UW-Madison, where as the founding faculty director of the UW’s Women In Science and Engineering program she helped to unite the academic and residential lives of undergraduate women heading into science careers. In addition to basic and advanced plant pathology courses, she teaches a writing-intensive women’s studies course that examines biological theories about cognitive and behavioral differences between the sexes.