Stevens Teaching Professor Patricia Muisener has many memorable mentors. She fondly recalls those who have shaped her as an educator: her mother, an elementary computer/math teacher; her favorite high school teacher; her Ph.D. adviser; her first boss; and many fellow faculty.

Since joining the Stevens faculty in 2015, Muisener has brought her own love of teaching chemistry to all her students. “When working with undergraduates, I enjoy witnessing the lightbulb moment, when they start to make the connections and can explain concepts in their own words,” she says.

And Muisener goes beyond the classroom, to mentor numerous students and help them discover their career path.

“I try every day to be the kind of teacher and mentor I would want,” says Muisener, recipient of the 2024-2025 Stevens Employee Excellence Award for Student Success Champion and the 2025 Distinguished Teacher-Mentor Award, among other teaching awards. In addition to teaching and coordinating chemistry courses and advising undergraduate research projects, she mentors students, advising on coursework, future plans and graduate and health professions school applications. She has played a key role in advancing initiatives to revitalize chemistry education and managing National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded educational programs, including a career mentoring program. [See sidebar.]

Alexandra Bilotto ’27 calls Muisener a treasured adviser and shining example of how to treat students.

This spring, the aspiring doctor and chemistry major served as Muisener’s teaching assistant for General Chemistry. She’s watched as Muisener works hard to make sure she reaches every student, varying her teaching methods, including in-class discussions, group work, educational software, worksheets and videos. Every question is answered, and Muisener always encourages participation and removes fear of making mistakes.

“She’s always there for the students,” Bilotto says. “I think that patience is really important” — a quality Bilotto hopes to exhibit in her own care of patients someday.

Last summer, Bilotto was selected for a clinical experience at Montefiore Medical Center — Einstein Campus under external career role model Dr. Lance Bruck. She observed in labor and delivery, visited patients and saw a live birth. Muisener guided her through the experience and, this spring, along with the Health Professions Advisory Committee, advised and supported her through the medical school application process.

Muisener praises Bilotto’s talent, work ethic and compassion toward students — qualities she sees through-out the student body. “Stevens students really care,” Muisener says. “They are engaged in the community, motivating and supporting each other.”

Muisener mentors because she valued and benefitted from the mentoring she received and gains much from those she helps. “You learn so much from other people,” she says. “They help color your experience, making your journey through life so much richer and fuller.”

– Beth Kissinger