While I have known about Dr. Gavalchin for my whole college career, I did not get to really know her until my junior year during her immunology class. However, looking back on my interactions with her, I am astounded by how natural our conversations were. I remember asking her if she would participate in the pig obstacle course for the Block and Bridle Livestock Show, and she laughed and wholeheartedly agreed. I knew in that moment that she was someone so passionate about her students that she was willing to indulge in our antics outside of class to support us.
Even the following semester, when most people wouldn’t join in the potato sack race on Ag Day, Dr. Gavalchin stepped up as the only female professor. As someone who came from an educational and family background dominated by men, her courage to put herself out there was inspiring, and she became a great mentor of mine, not only through her advising during my application cycle through veterinary school, but also during my time as a TA for her.
Between referencing famous television shows and hosting game show review sessions, Dr. Gavalchin was so easily able to engage her students in lecture while also making the learning experience fun. The most heartwarming part of helping her with Immunology was the clear effort she made to do everything she could for students. I watched her spend countless hours working on lectures and buying snacks and medals for game shows. But even with all of the work she putting in, she focused on how the students were doing.
Talking to her, I always felt respected and as though my opinion was valued, and I strive to one day provide the same comfort to my students as she did for me. We have lost such an amazing mentor, role model, and friend, and we will miss her dearly.
Additional reflections were published in the CALS Newsroom, and additional coverage appeared in the Cornell Chronicle.
