Sarah Balcom, DVM, MS
Principal lecturer and Director of the Undergraduate Program
Department of Animal and Avian Sciences
University of Maryland
Student and TA Testimonials
From time to time, a student will write to me to express appreciation for something I have taught or done, as this ANSC 101 student recently did:
Hello Dr. Balcom,
After our visit for my make-up exam I just wanted to let you know I so appreciate everything you're doing as an educator. Your dedication to your students is incredibly inspiring and although I struggle with self-discipline (see: all those pre-class quizzes!) please know how much I enjoy your class and truly aim to succeed in this field during my time here and beyond. You are a wonderful professor and I hope you don't get too discouraged by students' lack of appreciation of academic growth and the importance of 'owning our minds'. I'm sure my words don't hold much weight as a lowly undergraduate, but do know that your mission is truly striking a chord with many young learners.
Have a great day and see you tomorrow.
With admiration,
ANSC 101 Student
Sometimes, I get to hear about my courses through our anonymous departmental advising follow-up surveys:
" Now I know for fact that I want to work with animals and I'm determined to see it through! 101 however definitely challenged it. Dr. Balcom wanted us to think differently. She expected us to think in a way that actually warrants the title of "education." And it was a heck of an adjustment. However hard she is on us, it makes sense. This is what is required of us. And she is teaching us the skills and the abilities we need to succeed in other classes. "
On this page you will find links to solicited letters written about me by former students and teaching assistants. These letters were written voluntarily, after the students and teaching assistants had graduated from the university.
Lindsey Vansandt, DVM, PhD
University of Maryland
Graduate Teaching assistant
"Sarah has a great ability to put students at ease while they are learning a new subject or concept, which is one of her most impressive attributes."
"Sarah increases student enthusiasm and involvement in learning by keeping her courses up-to-date, interactive, and relevant to students’ personal and career goals. "
"Sarah is constantly looking for ways to bring innovation to her courses."
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
Ashley Klein, VMD
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
Former Undergraduate Student
"Her passion for veterinary medicine, commitment to improving the education of students at the University of Maryland, and dedication to serving as a mentor is why I feel she should be recognized as a unique and outstanding professional."
"She sets high standards for education and finds unique and realistic ways to attain them within the classroom and beyond. I look forward to seeing the changes that follow in the wake of her career."
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
Sindu Manoharan, VMD
University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine
Former Undergraduate Student
"The type of teaching style Dr. Balcom fosters has an invaluable effect on her students. They are able to think broadly and critically. Most importantly, the collaboration and group work that results from her classes trains students to work with different groups of people. "
"Dr. Balcom is extremely accessible inside and outside of the classroom. Her ability to provide students with numerous resources and opportunities is what makes her an integral part of the community."
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
Rachel Gagliardi, BS
DVM-PhD Student at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine
Former Undergraduate Student
Rachel Gagliardi, BS
DVM-PhD Student at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine
Former Undergraduate Student
“Dr. Balcom urges critical thinking rather than memorization, challenging her students to engage in discourse about relevant issues and engage in discussion with peers. She provides her students with the tools to be successful in any area of work, not just animal science.”
“The course material we covered became more than just assignments and exams, it generated thought provoking discussions and developed into topics I’m passionate about that I have spent time researching to use in my future veterinary career.”
“As a direct result of Dr. Balcom’s leadership and mentoring, the Pre-Veterinary Society has helped place more students in more veterinary schools. Dr. Balcom truly goes above and beyond to help her students achieve their goals.”
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
Rachel Rha, BS
MS Student at the University of Maryland, Dept. of Animal & Avian Sciences
Former Undergraduate Student
Halli Sigal, PhD
Unversity of Maryland
Graduate Teaching Assistant
"Each semester as the course progressed, I watched as students asked increasingly advanced and complex questions to me, Dr. Balcom, guest lecturers, and even each other. This shows that students do not just understand the information that is being presented to them, but that they are are able to apply the information toward their own ideas about the world, demonstrating higher orders of thinking. "
"Amidst the tumult of teaching classes, Dr. Balcom makes time to be an incredible mentor to her students."
"I was fortunate to be one of her mentees, and spent countless hours in her office brainstorming lecture material, receiving constructive criticism and feedback on my presence in the classroom. She helped me to develop critical teaching skills that have guided me through several successful years of being a graduate teaching assistant, and the student evaluations from my most recent semester of teaching reflect that. Dr. Balcom has provided incredible mentorship to me and many others who aspire to teach, and the exceptional way in which she demonstrates what it means to be an enthusiastic and successful instructor is nothing less than inspiring."
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
Kayla Miner, DVM
Va-Md Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Former Undergraduate Student
"She is my most influential and inspirational professor. "
"Her Introduction to Veterinary Medical Science course is built on case studies taken from her varied experience as a practitioner and researcher; students find and evaluate scientific literature relevant to each case. In doing so, they must distinguish robust research from the weak studies and overt misinformation widely circulated online. Each assignment is an exercise in critical thinking, and students leave her classroom equipped navigate the conflicting interests and practical limitations animal scientists encounter. I am grateful to Dr. Balcom for this skill that continues to serve me in my professional career."
"In 2017, I got a “behind the scenes” look at Dr. Balcom’s teaching philosophy, when I spent 3 weeks in her classroom as a veterinary student extern. My goal for this externship was to experience life as a DVM educator in an undergraduate program. What I discovered is that Dr. Balcom is exactly what a university leader must be; direct, dynamic, ever-seeking opportunities for herself and her students to grow, and in pursuit of excellence for the entire Department. When I lectured in front of her students, I experienced the strong foundation of mutual respect she had built with them. She earns this respect by her mastery of course material and by soliciting student feedback throughout the semester. She constantly evaluates and improves upon her instruction, so no course is taught the same way twice. Needless to say, Dr. Balcom’s classes tend to be very popular among undergraduates.."
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
David Balinsky, DVM
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Former Undergraduate Student
"In an age when facts are just an internet connection away, she has adapted her teaching style to focus on concept frameworks and critical thinking."
"Her commitment to help students doesn’t stop when she leaves the office on Friday."
"Although she wasn’t my formal advisor, many times through out my college career she made time for me to stop by her office for one on one meetings, let me bounce ideas off her, answered any questions I had at the time and gave me advice."
Read the full letter of recommendation here.
"She is my most memorable professor and most meaningful mentor, as she is a leader inside and outside of the classroom, having a strong sense of compassion for her students, and encouraging us to think outside of the box."
"It’s clear to see that Dr. Sarah Balcom has worked hard to create a comfortable and intimate learning environment. Her efforts to achieve this are palpable and certainly do not go unnoticed by students, from both the class structure and her availability, which goes above and beyond for those in need of extra help."
"Her confidence and thoughtful instruction has led me to become a far better researcher from when I first began. Even as an undergraduate, I have gained more confidence to become more self-motivated within the lab with critical thinking, to investigate literature and operate experiments with less reliance on the professor/PI’s, and to trust my instincts. Dr. Balcom possesses the natural talent to lead others, and she works very hard at succeeding in this endeavor.”
Read the full letter of recommendation here.