Meet UNMC Outstanding Teacher awardee Edward (Ted) Roche, Ph.D.

Edward (Ted) Roche, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, is among the four UNMC faculty members who will receive Outstanding Teaching Awards at the April 20 Annual Faculty meeting.

Below, Dr. Roche reflects on what it means to be a teacher.

• Name: Edward (Ted) Roche, Ph.D.
  
• Title: Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Science
  Classes/courses taught: Medicinal Chemistry I & II, Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science (Coordinator), Professional Development (Coordinator), and Advanced Medicinal Chemistry (Graduate Course).
  
• Joined UNMC: 1966
  
• Hometown: Indianapolis

Edward (Ted) Roche, Ph.D.

Watching students grow to become mature professionals, and being instrumental in that growth. Helping students learn, and providing ways to facilitate learning, i.e., watching the “lights” come on. Giving students the tools to extend their knowledge and solve problems, and then watching them use those tools. I think being around students has kept me young, and for me, that is a reward.

Describe a moment in your career when you realized you had picked the right occupation.

I think I knew my first week as a faculty member that I had selected the right occupation. I wasn’t necessarily in the classroom . but it was the first time I worked with a student one-on-one to help him understand the material. I believe a lot of teaching occurs this way more than in the classroom.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?

Probably the biggest challenge has been the very few students I’ve had in 43 years who sat in class with an attitude of “go ahead, teach me, I dare you.” Fortunately, in my experience, that number has been very small. Other challenges rest in trying to find new ways to present material and examine students.

How do you know when you’ve been successful as a teacher?

Of course, the best way is when students tell you that you are a good teacher, or that “this is the first time I’ve ever understood that …” Also, you take home good feelings when students perform well on examinations.

List three things few people know about you.

• I am the president of two community theatre boards.
  
• I’m an amateur (emphasize that) astronomer. I wish I had more time to use my telescope.
  
• I’m a former clarinetist, and current patron of the musical arts, symphony, opera, big band, etc.