Alan van Beek, a graduate student in the Department of Political Science, was recently awarded the 2020-2021 Graduate Associate Teaching Award from the Ohio State College of Arts and Sciences Student Council. This award is particularly notable because it is only Ohio State teaching awards completely administered by students.

On receiving the award, van Beek says “I can't overstate how honored I am to receive this award. I find international politics fascinating and I am lucky to be able to receive an award for sharing this passion with my students.“

He has taught PS1300 “Global Politics” four times and PS4315 “International Security and the Causes of War” and tries his best to include case studies and simulations in the learning process. Van Beek’s research focuses on international bargaining and the factors that inform the strategic context of leaders. His teaching excelled through his responsiveness to student feedback, commitment to transmitting knowledge from research, and leadership of non-traditional, interactive learning. He was described as passionate, knowledgeable, fair and helpful.

“He is really nice to his students, and he’s willing to help his students succeed in the class,” wrote one of van Beek’s students. “He is really good at teaching and he knows a lot about his major field, which makes his class interesting.”

The Department of Political Science would like to congratulate Van Beek on receiving this award and thank him for his dedication to our students!