Professors Ellen Bledsoe and Joel Muraco named Spring 2025 Golden Apple Awardees
Each semester, the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES) presents two college instructors with the Golden Apple Award – an honor sponsored by the Cardon Academy for Teaching Excellence Fellows. This award celebrates exceptional teaching and student impact, and is selected by the undergraduate students themselves. The Golden Apple Award serves as a meaningful representation of the student voice, recognizing instructors who have gone above and beyond to teach our students.
The spring 2025 honorees are Ellen Bledsoe and Joel Muraco.
Ellen Bledsoe, Ph.D.
Ellen Bledsoe is a newly promoted associate professor of practice and associate director of undergraduate advancement in the CALES School of Natural Resources and the Environment. She holds a doctorate in interdisciplinary ecology from the University of Florida and a bachelor's in biological sciences from Mount Holyoke College. Bledsoe is known for her commitment to inclusive teaching and student-centered learning.
This year, Bledsoe received several teaching honors, including the CALES Golden Apple Award. “I’ve been extremely honored to receive a few different teaching awards this semester… and the CALES Golden Apple Award is the one that probably means the most to me, specifically because it is recognition from students,” she said.
One of the students who nominated her for the Golden Apple award shared, “I had her for my surveys and sampling class, and she was amazing! She was always so encouraging to us, and reminded us that we are more than just a grade.”
Bledsoe receiving the Golden Apple Award
Another student said, “Ellen Bledsoe was super flexible and supportive when meeting with me. Her class pacing was super great for me and lots of others who had never so much as touched the smallest amount of coding, but didn't feel horribly slow either. I also just found her personality and classroom atmosphere to be very open and accepting of our diversity in the class.”
Bledsoe’s teaching bridges data science with environmental and ecological studies, emphasizing real-world applications and equity in education. You can find her teaching primarily undergraduate general education and wildlife courses.
“My favorite part about teaching is definitely the positive interactions that I have with students,” Bledsoe said. “Whether that comes in the form of being open and honest about struggles we’ve had (the pains of learning how to code or mental health challenges) or watching a student’s eyes light up because all of the pieces just clicked into place for understanding a challenging concept, it is those interactions that bring me the most joy in my job.”
Through her work, Bledsoe continues to support and inspire the next generation of environmental scientists and leaders with compassion, curiosity and care.
Joel Muraco, Ph.D.
Joel Muraco, a newly promoted CALES associate professor of practice in the Norton School of Human Ecology, is widely recognized for his deep commitment to student growth and mentorship. A Tucsonan and first-generation college graduate, Muraco earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in family studies and human development from the U of A. He now teaches a range of courses on human development, sexuality and research methods, and is known for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments.
“My favorite part of being a teacher is my students’ curiosity,” Muraco said. “Students ask such interesting questions, share connections to course content I could never imagine, and keep me on my toes with where a discussion on a topic will go. I get more emails from students sharing interesting current events, TikTok videos, and songs about a course topic than I do emails with questions about how to complete assignments.”
Beyond the classroom, students praise Muraco for his unwavering support. “Joel was always willing to work with students, help them, set up outside meetings, and make himself accessible to anyone looking for guidance,” one student said. “He enhanced my confidence in myself and gave me so many essential skills, especially for post-graduation.”
Muraco receiving the Golden Apple Award
Another student shared, “Joel understood many of the unique challenges I faced as a first-generation student and encouraged me not to let them limit my experiences at the U of A. He supported me through my transition from Pima Community College, meeting with me often to help navigate the struggles of being a transfer student.”
Muraco’s goals for his students reflect his belief in empowerment through education. “Before they graduate, I hope every student learns to have agency,” he said. “Having agency means possessing the power and ability to act independently and make your own choices, influencing your own life and environment.”
And when he’s not in the classroom? “I think students would be surprised to learn I have an interest in cars and am an avid car blog reader,” Muraco shares.
Through compassionate mentorship and genuine connection, Muraco continues to make a lasting impact on those in his classroom.
The students, faculty and staff appreciate all the selfless work our instructors do every day. They are the foundation of our community, and we wouldn’t be the outstanding college we are without them.
Congratulations to Ellen Bledsoe and Joel Muraco, the spring 2025 Golden Apple Award honorees!