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Congrats to UC Davis nematologist Shahid Siddique, an exemplary teacher committed to helping his students learn and succeed!

Siddique, an associate professor in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, is the newly announced recipient of the 2026 Excellence-in-Teaching Award from the international Society of Nematologists. He will be honored at SON’s 65th annual meeting, set July 6-10 in Baltimore, Md. 

Joanna Chiu, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, praised him as “as a valued member of our faculty and a team player, the lead faculty advisor for the undergraduate entomology major, and a member of our department’s executive committee...He fosters a learning environment of curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking, three factors important in teaching science. In doing so, he encourages and empowers his students to succeed, and champions their accomplishments.”

Siddique is currently a principal investigator of 10 research grants. “His commitment to excellence shows in all he does, from organizing sessions at SON’s international meetings, to serving on editorial boards, to reviewing upcoming journal articles, to engaging in scientific outreach, to advising industry boards, and to sharing information in public outreach,” Chiu said. 

Supervises 6 PhD Students

Siddique supervises six PhD students, three postdoctoral researchers, and multiple undergraduate trainees, many supported through programs such as the UC Davis Research Scholars Program in Insect Biology.

Siddique joined the department in March of 2019 from the University of Bonn, Germany, where he served as a research group leader in nematology from August 2010 to February 2019. Born and raised in Multan, Pakistan, he holds a doctorate in entomology (2009) from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. 

Shortly after joining the UC Davis faculty, Siddique re-developed, re-designed and re-invigorated two nematology courses, NEM 100, and NEM 201. Both courses emphasize active learning, integration of current research, and hands-on components. 

Amanda Hodson, UC Davis assistant professor of nematology, noted in her letter of support that Siddique's renovated NEM 100 course includes  “more hands-on laboratory sections where students sample soil, extract their own nematodes and learn to identify them under the microscope." His lectures “are very interactive and engaging and the course consistently enrolls more than 30 students each year. The students are so engaged, in fact, that I know of several who went on to work in his laboratory to further their interest in nematodes...It is obvious that students coming out of his lab are well on their way to becoming leaders in their field." 

'Clarity, Enthusiasm, Commitment'

UC Davis professor emerita and nematologist Valerie Williamson praised “Dr. Siddique’s ability to connect fundamental biological concepts with environmental context  and real-world agricultural relevance…across both undergraduate and graduate courses, his teaching is characterized by clarity, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to student learning.”

"He works extensively to develop their skills in research, teaching, as well as oral and written presentation," Williamson said.

Siddique encourages his lab members to hone their teaching skills by presenting guest lectures in his classrooms. He helps them prepare the lectures, and provides feedback

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His students continually evaluate him as “excellent” in all categories: the use of materials and methods; effectiveness, knowledge, and command of the subject matter; organization and clarity of presentations; responsiveness and willingness to receive questions and comments; and enthusiasm for teaching and ability to make the subject interesting. 

Wrote one student: “Very kind professor…presents the info in a way that's easy to retain, and it’s clear he wants you to succeed.”  Doctoral candidates Veronica Casey and Alison Blundell lauded his work. Casey, who served as a teaching assistant for  “Feeding the World,” and “Introduction to Nematode Parasites,” said Siddique’s teaching style “emphasizes student participation…He asks students to share their thoughts about such topics as biotechnology, agricultural turning points, and nematode diseases. He prioritizes communication with students by sending reminders for upcoming quizzes, homework, and exams, and he is always willing to meet with students during office hours or other scheduled times.”

Fun Facts About California Agriculture

Blundell, who served as a teaching assistant for “Introduction to Nematology” and “Feeding the World: Influences on the Global Food Supply,” praised his passion for teaching, his strong communication skills, and his open-door policy.  In his “Feeding the World” course, Siddique engaged the students by including fun facts about California agriculture and asking each to comment about fun facts in their home states, Blundell commented.

Johan Desaeger, president of the Society of Nematologists and a University of Florida nematologist, said recipients of the teaching award excel in the classroom and/or have developed innovative nematology teaching materials.  “It is truly a pleasure to recognize such a respected nematology colleague with this honor!” he said. Siddique will be honored both at SON’s Awards Banquet and at the President’s  Reception.

This is the second SON teaching award that a UC Davis nematologist has received. Professor (now emeritus) Edward Caswell-Chen won the award in 2016. SON, based in Mesilla Park, N.M., and established in 1962, is an international organization formed to advance the science of nematology in both its fundamental and economic aspects.

Cover image: Close-up of UC Davis nematologist Shahid Siddique