The following excerpts are from letters written by past students about my teaching. I am deeply honored by what these students wrote about me, and these excerpts inspire me to continue developing my skills as a teacher and mentor.

"Joe was the best graduate student instructor I have ever had in my four years of classes at the University of Michigan, and in all honesty, one of the best teachers I have ever had.”

"If I were to have to attribute my love for biopsychology to one person, it would be Joe Mikels. He demonstrates a love for the subject and knowledge of the ideas that I have never seen in a GSI. His passion is contagious. Before I met Joe, I had declared my major as biopsychology solely because of its relevance to medical school. Now, I can honestly say that I made the right choice. Through Joe's teaching and advising, I have developed a love for the subject that parallels his."

“Entering the first semester after declaring my major, I walked into the Cognitive Psychology discussion to find someone who looked more pleased to be back at school than almost anyone I had ever seen – this was Joe. When he began to speak I realized that he actually was happy to be teaching. He made it very clear early on that he was eager to help students both in and outside of the class. This was the first time I felt I could ask an instructor questions beyond the confines of the classroom without feeling uncomfortable. Joe is incredibly interactive. Not only did I get answers to my questions, but he would also present questions to me leading me to view things from different angles.”

“Joe has been a very influential role model; I have made a lot of changes as a student this year. Instead of procrastinating, I am often a week ahead in readings and assignments. I went from just doing what I needed to get by to joining Students for the Advancement of Neuroscience, Undergraduate Psychological Society (redesigning the website and running for an officer position), petitioning for honors, increasing classroom and non-classroom related reading, attending talks almost every week from resident and visiting professors, and encouraging other students to get involved. It is very possible that my change can be attributed to Joseph Mikels’ inspiration. I look up to Joe’s achievements and hard work. I hope that one day I can be as successful as he is. This is not an isolated example. I am not the only person whom Joe has instructed and inspired. I recently talked to an old, grade school friend. He told me about a graduate student who helped him get involved in research and is ‘basically my mentor.’ When he told me it was Joe, I started to realize how widespread Joe’s contributions are. Joe has positively influenced many people and will continue to do so as a successful GSI and soon as a successful professor.”