Michigan State University’s Erica Wehrwein has a passion for creating connections both in the classroom and beyond, delivering a curriculum and course experience that supports students into their careers.
Wehrwein, who teaches in the College of Natural Science, Department of Physiology, was announced the recipient of the 2025 President’s Distinguished Teaching Award on March 26 during a surprise classroom visit by President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Mark Largent, College of Natural Science Dean Eric Hegg, award founder Carl Liedholm and others from the college and department.
The President’s Distinguished Teaching Award is presented each year to one faculty member who develops innovative environments that support student learning and success. Wehrwein was presented the award for her work strengthening MSU’s educational mission, commitment to exemplary teaching at the undergraduate level, and her leadership in curricular reform.
“We are grateful that you are keeping our students curious,” Guskiewicz said upon presenting Wehrwein with the award. “This award is given to those faculty who are both engaged with their students and find opportunities for them outside of the classroom, and you not only met that expectation — you surpassed it.”
Wehrwein’s teaching philosophy centers community, engagement and professional development to create an inclusive and welcoming space for students to grow. She spends time getting to know her students and finding ways to support their interests in physiology. On the first day of class, Wehrwein starts with relationship-building activities to connect with students like greeting them individually at the door and asking them to complete a short biography to learn more about them.
To build on these in-person connections, Wehrwein assigns a reflection activity to see how students view themselves and their views of being a physiologist, developing their sense of self-empowerment about the field. Throughout the semester she engages students in conversations that connect class concepts to clinical data and other disciplines, helping them develop a well-rounded understanding of field ideas.
As she gets to know her class, Wehrwein challenges students to address problems by trusting their observations. To put those skills into practice, students are assigned a grant project that focuses on teamwork, research and clinical measurements. They also work to solve patient cases, drawing hypotheses and predicting outcomes based on data collection.
To prepare for key professional moments, Wehrwein connects students with opportunities for volunteering, career growth and professional events while shaping her class assignments so students can solicit feedback on mock interviews, LinkedIn pages and application materials. One particular opportunity she offers students is practicing science communication to a lay audience, involving them in outreach efforts.
Beyond the classroom, Wehrwein’s impact extends into the physiology community where she serves as cofounder and director of the national grass roots organization, Physiology Majors Interest Group, which has over 300 members worldwide. She is also known for her critical role in the development and launch of the Center for Physiology Education, a strategic effort of the American Physiological Society, which provides educational materials and networking opportunities to educators around the globe.
In 2024, Wehrwein was elected as an APS Fellow, a title reserved to honor distinguished leaders. This year, she will become chair of the CPE Advisory Board, continuing her work revisioning the landscape of physiology curriculum.
For her dedicated work, Wehrwein was honored alongside other outstanding MSU faculty, staff and graduate assistants at the All-University Awards Ceremony on April 7, 2025, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
Learn more about Wehrwein and her incredible contributions to teaching and student success at the university in this feature.