Twenty-one years ago Daniel McIntosh graduated from DU with a degree in psychology. Last month the DU psychology professor was awarded the United Methodist Church University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for teaching and research,” McIntosh says. “I appreciate that DU values both.”
McIntosh teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Psychology where he’s known as one of the toughest professors on campus.
“He forces students to dig under the surface, to grapple with difficult concepts, to learn to write and rewrite and to defend one’s ideas clearly and convincingly,” says psychology department Chair Rob Roberts, “Sometimes the ‘too tough’ professors don’t fare well in student ratings, yet he is rated very highly.”
One of McIntosh’s former students is Todd Ognibene, who is now a licensed school psychologist. Additionally, Ognibene teaches part-time at the University of Colorado-Denver and Metropolitan State College of Denver.
“I constantly strive to model my teaching after Daniel’s,” Ognibene says. “He demonstrates a genuine concern for all students and an unparalleled commitment to the highest of ethical and professional standards.”
As a social psychologist, McIntosh’s research focuses mainly on the study of emotion processes, stress and coping. He’s published two books and more than 50 journal articles and book chapters, and he’s written 89 conference papers. McIntosh has also received grants totaling more than $500,000.
“His work is well respected in the field, as reflected by his frequent grant and journal reviewing,” Roberts says. “Others’ respect for Daniel’s work and appreciation of his keen analytical approach to problems is also apparent in the number of scientists who want to collaborate with him and apply his work/approach to new domains.”
In addition to his teaching and research, McIntosh became the new Honors Program director this month. He also finds time to serve on four university committees. McIntosh says he’s enjoyed advising for the past 12 years, and loves to get updates from former students.
“It’s a meaningful part of what I do,” McIntosh says. “Seeing their growth and where they end up is satisfying and enjoyable.”