Hannah Starr honored with 2026 Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award
2026-04-15
Hannah Starr, assistant professor of practice in the James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry at Purdue University, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award. The award recognizes outstanding undergraduate teaching among Purdue's early career, tenure-track faculty. Recipients receive a $5,000 award along with additional funds for a department business account.
Lucy Flesch, Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science, poses with Haley Oliver-Jischke, Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Student Success (second from left), Hannah Starr (third from left) and Interim Head of the Department of Chemistry Scott McLuckey following the surprise announcement of Starr's 2026 Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award on Monday, March 23, in West Lafayette, Ind. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Robinos)
Starr, who joined Purdue in August 2022, was surprised with the honor during a morning class on Monday, March 23. "Teaching has always been the most rewarding aspect of my work, and it is a huge honor to be recognized for something that means so much to me," Starr said. "This award affirms the supportive and engaging environment I strive to provide for my students, and it motivates me to continue to be innovative in the classroom and the lab."
Hannah Starr, assistant professor of practice in the James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry, interacts with students during a general chemistry class at Purdue University on Monday, March 23, 2026, in West Lafayette, Ind. Starr was surprised briefly before this photo with the 2026 Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Robinos)
Starr's path to teaching chemistry at the college level was not a straight one. She entered college intending to pursue dentistry, choosing chemistry as her major for its overlap with dental school prerequisites. Struggling in her first semester alongside peers from stronger academic backgrounds, she found her footing through a peer mentoring program. "I became fascinated with finding ways to address this gap," she said. That experience led her to pursue teaching-focused roles in academia, where she could help students who, like her, arrived with less preparation than their peers. "When students walk into my general chemistry classroom, I do not want them to feel that they are not equipped for success because of the experience they had before they got to me," Starr said.
Her students have taken notice. "She deeply cares about the success of her students and has been foundational in developing and growing the undergraduate TA program for the chemistry department," said Olivia Snell, a junior studying pharmacy. "She believes it’s important to equip her [students] well and be absolutely understanding of where chemistry students are coming from when they are freshmen, because chemistry students have a variety of different backgrounds." That intentionality shows up in small but meaningful ways, Snell added, noting that during exam week office hours, Starr brings in her cat, Pearl, knowing that students struggle with exam anxiety.
Looking ahead, Starr said she remains focused on making chemistry more accessible and welcoming for all students. "I absolutely love getting to work with my students every day," she said. "I look forward to continuing to think about new ways to support student learning and make the chemistry classroom more welcoming for all." Her goal, she said, is for students to leave her class as "capable, confident, and thoughtful individuals who are poised for success at the next level.”
About Purdue Chemistry
The James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry is internationally acclaimed for its excellence in chemical education and innovation, boasting two Nobel laureates in organic chemistry, the #1 ranked analytical chemistry program, and a highly successful drug discovery initiative that has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties. Learn more about chem.purdue.edu.
Written by: Alison Harmeson, senior communications specialist for the Purdue University College of Science
Contributors: Hannah Starr, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Chemistry
Photos by: Rebecca Robinos