Why Give to Graduate Education?
The Graduate School provides many sources of support to graduate students, grants to support scholarship and professional development including conference travel, Dissertation Completion Awards, and a range of named scholarships and fellowships, funded by our generous donors. These students could not have completed their work or continue to impact our community and state without their funding.
Our donors make a huge impact when they give to graduate education. This academic year, these awards totaled $3.3 million to UGA Graduate Students to support their continued research and exemplary work. Let’s keep up the good work and continue to make lasting impact on our community and state. Your opportunity to support graduate education is on Thursday, March 26. Be a part of Dawg Day of Giving!
If you’re also passionate about graduate student success, please consider donating on this Dawg Day of Giving by visiting Dawg Day of Giving 2026 – Alumni, Donors & Friends – University of Georgia and selecting Graduate Student Emergency Fund to assist students experiencing challenges that are impacting their degree progress. For more ways to support graduate education at UGA, see grad.uga.edu/give.
photo courtesy of Riley Thoen
In both the classroom and the field, Riley Thoen has built a graduate career centered on teaching, mentorship, and conservation. A Ph.D. candidate in Plant Biology at the University of Georgia, Thoen is being recognized as a 2026 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award for his impactful work with undergraduate students. Whether guiding students through plant biology courses or supporting scientific writing, his work reflects a commitment to helping students grow as scientists and professionals.
Thoen’s teaching spans both hands-on science and written communication. He shares, “The work that led me to the Excellence in Teaching award was my work as an instructor in PBIO 3270, Flowers, and as a writing TA for students performing research in biology labs (BIOL 4960R, 4970R, 4980R). In Flowers, which is typically an upper-level elective course, I taught students about the structure and function of flowering plants and facilitated group research projects on flowering plants using data collected by citizen scientists. This course largely serves to help students gain an appreciation for plants and pollinators so they can understand the role they play in natural communities. In the Biology courses, I hosted writing workshops and retreats, developed writing resources, and reviewed and gave feedback on scientific papers of undergraduate researchers. My work in Biology ensures students can develop their writing practices, which is a key skill for scientists and professionals alike.”
photo courtesy of Riley Thoen
Alongside his teaching, his research focuses on conservation, particularly the effects of climate change on a native Georgia species. “My current research focuses on understanding the influence of climate on the conservation of a native Georgia plant species, Porter’s sunflower (also known as Stone Mountain Daisy). In my dissertation, I find that Porter’s sunflower is especially sensitive to hot and dry conditions, which are increasing in Georgia due to climate change. The robust blooms of Porter’s sunflower are the backdrop for the yearly Yellow Daisy festival at Stone Mountain, so the reductions I project in populations of this species may have significant cultural impact.”
Receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award was both affirming and exciting.
“I was very excited! While I am fulfilled from teaching and working with students, it is exciting to receive external recognition. It makes me feel like my contributions to teaching at UGA are valued by the university, and not just my close colleagues and students.”
Throughout his graduate journey, Thoen has been shaped by a strong network of mentors. Reflecting on their impact, he shares, “Dr. Megan DeMarche was a new faculty member when I joined at UGA, and I will be her first PhD student to graduate. I felt Megan has really helped me develop the skills I need to advance my career to the next stage as a researcher, and I am also extremely thankful she has given me the space to develop as a teacher and mentor.” He also credits others who influenced his path as an educator, noting, “Dr. Shu-Mei Chang’s passion for flowering plants rubbed off on me, and her guidance really helped me realize I could be an effective teacher. Ultimately, Shu-Mei’s guidance reignited my passion for teaching, and I will always be thankful for that.” Through additional mentorship in writing and pedagogy, he was encouraged to grow not only as a researcher but also as a collaborator and instructor.
photo courtesy of Riley Thoen
Looking ahead, Thoen is preparing for the next step in his academic career. “In fall 2026, I will be moving to Ithaca, NY, to start a postdoctoral position in plant population genomics at Cornell University. Long term, I’d like to teach and run an undergraduate plant evolutionary ecology research lab at a primarily undergraduate institution.” Outside of his academic work, he finds ways to recharge close to home. “When I need to regain focus and clarify, I will go for a walk near my building, Miller Plant Sciences, and I will specifically visit the horticulture trial gardens and the ecology turtle pond to see some pretty plants and animals.” Through his dedication to teaching, research, and mentorship, Riley Daniel Thoen continues to leave a lasting impact on the UGA community.
The Excellence in Teaching award recognizes the significant contribution graduate students make to the instructional mission of the University. The award is sponsored by the Graduate School and recognizes up to five graduate students who have demonstrated superior teaching skills and made contributions to teaching beyond their own classrooms.
For more information about these teaching awards, please visit the Center for Teaching and Learning Teaching Awards.
