Evolution of a College Professor

Dr. Laura Juárez de Ku

Juárez de Ku Found Her Heart in Biology Classroom

College students can be harsh critics in the classroom, but they are equally passionate about their favorite professors. Austin Community College’s Laura Juárez de Ku is recipient of some of the most adoring reviews.

“She breaks her back to help everyone, not just her students. She deserves the human of the decade award.”

Juárez, an associate professor of biology, smiles when she learns of the praise lavished on her by students via Internet websites. “Of course, it is nice to hear, but it strikes me as funny. It is the students who make the class. If they don’t work hard, it doesn’t matter what I do,” she says.

Professor Juárez didn’t plan to teach when she graduated from UT-Austin in the early ’80s. She was in dental school when she discovered her real calling. She was sitting in an auditorium-style classroom at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.

“The professor was having so much fun there at the front of the class,” Juárez says. “I decided what he was doing was more fun than being a dentist!” She finished out the semester and then returned to UT-Austin to become a teacher.

“She is a firecracker of energy and has GREAT JOKES about Anatomy. TAKE HER. … She is a joy!!”

Juárez earned a high school teaching certificate but decided to continue her studies. “I really wanted to teach at the college level, so I went to graduate school,” she says.

The Austin/Laredo native moved to Ohio and attended Bowling Green University, where she earned her master’s degree, then doctorate in biology. As part of her research, she examined the effects of pollutants such as PCBs on specific areas of the brain that are involved in memory. “When people are exposed to these pollutants, it affects their learning and memory, and it disrupts some of their hormones,” she says.

Juárez taught for a decade at Bowling Green and was awarded the university’s Master Teacher Award before she moved back to Austin 10 years ago. She was hired as a science editor but soon missed the classroom.

“I loved my job, but I told my husband I needed to go back to teaching,” she says. “I was lucky enough to find an open position at ACC.”

“Professor Juarez is THE best teacher I have ever had in my entire life.”

Currently, Juárez teaches general biology and anatomy and physiology courses. She earns glowing reviews for helping students master the challenging coursework that stands between them and their dreams of becoming a doctor, dentist, nurse, or other healthcare professional.

In her classes, Juárez uses an overhead projector in addition to of PowerPoint slides. She handwrites her notes, step by step, as she talks. She loads her lectures with images and animations to help reinforce the lesson.

“If you present information without worrying whether the students understand, it just goes over their head and they have no motivation to learn it,” she says. “However, if you try to present it clearly, step by step, at a level they can understand, then you can go further and go from there.”

Chelsea Poteracki is taking Juárez’s 5 ½-week anatomy class this summer to prepare for nursing school. “This is the most intense class I have ever taken, but it has also been my favorite. Professor Juárez is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever had in my educational career.”

“Dr. Juarez expects a lot from her students, but she has the same expectations for herself.”

“I love it!” Juárez says. “Sometimes I’m in class and think, ‘I can’t believe that they pay me to be here and learn about my subject and I get to talk about it and learn from the other students.’ ”

25 Responses to "Evolution of a College Professor"

By Sarah Luna August 14, 2009 - 8:31 pm

Way to go Mrs. Juarez! You deserve every bit of praise. You are without a doubt one of the BEST teachers I have had throughout my school years. One that won’t ever be forgotten!
Thank you so much. You made my career something to look forward to and made learning about it so much more fun. I hope to run into you from time to time. You are definitely missed.

By Jeremiah August 15, 2009 - 8:53 am

I took professor Juarez about three years ago for Anatomy. To this day she is the benchmark to which I compare all other professors both in their teaching ability and compassion. This person deserves recognition on a national level for her god given skills. I will always remember her as being the absolute best of what ACC has to offer to young minds.

By Peiwen Lu August 15, 2009 - 9:36 am

She is the best

By Phoebe Aguoru August 16, 2009 - 7:35 pm

I saw her smiling face on the web page and mine was lit.This recorgnition is over due. I don’t need to read about the postings about her and her teaching style. I’ve experienced the wonderful charm and dedication she brings with her in the classroom and has the continued privledge to experience more of her ever listening ears when ever possible. She is such a wonderful, and an inspiring teacher to know. If I am allowed to say, God sent teacher to ACC students.

By Angela Hieronymus August 17, 2009 - 11:10 am

I had the great experience of having professor Juarez for my anatomy teacher and I am even luckier to have her as my work study supervisor again this year. She deserves this recognition in every way, this is a professor who cheers her students on and encourages them to bring out their best performances.

By Suzie Adams August 17, 2009 - 6:12 pm

I agree with everything said, she is the best. I only had her as an instructor for two weekends and she is so far the best instructor I’ve had. Congratulations Mrs. Juarez!

By Samantha Rangel August 17, 2009 - 9:48 pm

She is an amazing woman, teacher, role model, human being!! I recommend her to anyone taking anatomy. She makes learning a fun and interesting experience. I actually looked forward to going to class.
Congrats Dr.Juarez:)

By Cheryl August 18, 2009 - 7:52 am

I am not surprised that she is being recognized for being a great teacher, since it is the absolute truth. I found anatomy to be very challenging, but this professor helped me get through it. I absolutely love her. I wish all of the teachers at ACC were like her.

By Alex Gawler August 18, 2009 - 3:00 pm

Dr. Juarez is so awesome! TAKE HER! She is refreshing, kind, enthusiastic, and above all she wants to help you learn. We love you, Dr. J.

By Donna Jones August 21, 2009 - 7:15 pm

I was so delighted to see Dr. Juarez’ picture featured when I logged onto the ACC website today! I learned so much f/ Dr. Juarez’ class. She genuinely cares about her students and will make time for you if you ever have any questions or extra help! I am just sad that she doesn’t teach any other classes that I need! To NOT take her for your Anatomy class is a great disservice to yourself! I use so much of the material that we covered in our class every day at work. Thank you again Dr.Laura for the wealth of knowledge that you passed on to us!

By Christie raymond August 22, 2009 - 9:25 pm

I took dr.juarez in the spring of 09, the first day of class I was nervous and asked a lot of question’s. You are the best teacher I’ve ever taken. I enjoyed every minute I was there. Congrat’s and I hope other students can experience your teaching, and wisdom you share. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

By Christie raymond August 22, 2009 - 9:27 pm

I forgot please think about teaching physiology! 😉

By Yvonne :) August 23, 2009 - 7:53 pm

HERE, HERE! I send many thanks to Laura. She is an excellent teacher and an amazing person. She is very passionate about teaching and you feel that energy from her. Not only during her classes, but in the labs as well. She gives you all the tools you need. You just need to know the foundation in which you are ready to build. She is 110%. A true blessing in education.

By Kyle August 23, 2009 - 9:02 pm

Well deserved I took her anatomy class walking in scared to death only to leave the class with close to an A cause im a slacker haha she is by far the best teacher I have ever had, she made me excited about learning the subject and my friends got really tired of hearing all about it, if at all possible take this teacher you will learn so much and actually enjoy doing it! I owe her alot.

By Patriciana M August 24, 2009 - 9:30 am

So…I earned a barely ‘C’ in her Anatomy class and it was the best ‘C’ I have ever made. I never had to study to make good grades but that changed when I took this class. I developed new study/organizational skills from Dr. Juarez that has led to acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program here at ACC. There has never been another instructor in my 7years of college that I have learned from both in and out of the classroom. Kudos to Dr. Juarez.

By Katie Pixley August 26, 2009 - 11:32 am

I just finished a 6 week summer session for anatomy with Dr. Juarez. It was intense, to say the least. We had class and lab everyday of the week, and often when I wasn’t in class, I was at the library studying for the two tests a week. I can say, WITHOUT a doubt, that it was worth every minute. Dr. Juarez made the class interesting, fun, and understandable. She is the best professor I have had, EVER! I thoroughly appreciate her understanding and more importantly her desire to help her students learn. Truly an amazing professor. THANK YOU DR. JUAREZ!

By brittania shorter August 26, 2009 - 8:02 pm

she is the best teacher i ever had and i am sure she will best i every will have.

By Sterling Hartman August 27, 2009 - 4:04 pm

Dr Lala (Laura in Hawaiian) is out there about 10 sigma from the norm. She loves life, students, teaching, and most of all the beauty that she sees in Human Anatomy and shares with her students.

She is such a superb teacher I believe she could teach a brick to identify all the tissue types, organs, and the bones in the Human body.

She has enough energy I believe she could power Austin Electric.

I had her for the continuing education class to prepare to take the exam to get into her Human Anatomy Class and I have such high regard for her I was up at midnight on the first day I could register to get into her Human Anatomy class.

I never complained about the long drive from Cedar Park to SAC–I would have driven to San Antonio to get in her class.

She will remember her students long after you have been in her class and also responds to emails after you have completed her class.

My only fear is that she will get promoted into administration and students will loose a brilliant prof to paperwork shuffling.

By Soyean C. Hock August 31, 2009 - 8:21 am

She is the best teacher I have ever had. I took a introductory anatomy and physiology a couple of years ago. I am also planning to take anatomy class next spring, I will probably drive to SAC from Round Rock where I live. Because she is so great that the driving to SAC is really worth while.

By Liliana Loredo September 5, 2009 - 4:08 pm

I took professor Juarez for Intro to A&P and also for Anatomy, I really recommend her, she is the BEST TEACHER I ever had. She makes the class interesting and fun. She cares a lot if students are really learning, and if students are having a hard time in learning the material she is very welcome to explain and to help you one-to-one anytime you ask her for help.
Very dedicated teacher, and an amazing person, and friend.
(God bless you always Dr. Juarez)

By Jennifer September 20, 2009 - 10:50 pm

I was so excited to read the article about Dr. Juarez. I took her Anatomy & Physiology class and she made things so simple and easy to understand. She has such a great love for her students and career. Before I started her class I wasn’t too excited about the drive from Round Rock to SAC, but after the first week I was soooooo grateful. I passed her class with an A!!!!! I only wish I knew about her before I took Human Anatomy. She is the best teacher I’ve had and I always recommend her to everyone. Keep doing your thing Dr. Juarez!

By curtis booth September 22, 2009 - 7:43 pm

Ms Juarez-DeKu, hope I spelled it right or you get points off. She improved my spelling by 100%. Great smile, clear crisp voice, she goes the xtra mile when the answer is only 100 yds away. Great command of a classroom, and extremly fair. Don’t get caught cheating as you will ignite that latin blood to a boil. I came back to college at 49 and she has been the best I’ve so far and there are some very good teachers she is competing with. But you can’t touch this!!

By Sandra September 30, 2009 - 6:08 pm

Being a hispanic Dr. Juarez has been an inspiration in my life. I took Dr. Juarez of A&P and she’s been the best teacher I’d had. She motiveted me to continue with my esducation and to never give up. Gracias Dr. Juarez for being such a great teacher but, most of all the Greatest Person!God bless you and your family.

By Maricela Vidaurri October 5, 2009 - 4:19 pm

“Isn’t it beautiful?” A phrase i often think upon when she was describing something about our human body. She carries the presence of wonder and love for the human body and her relationships. GO LAURA!

By irma buron November 8, 2009 - 7:51 pm

Congradulations from the bottom of our hesrt’s, very proud of you, and your accomplishments.

Tio Antonio Tia Irma y familia

By Sarah Luna August 14, 2009 - 8:31 pm

Way to go Mrs. Juarez! You deserve every bit of praise. You are without a doubt one of the BEST teachers I have had throughout my school years. One that won’t ever be forgotten!
Thank you so much. You made my career something to look forward to and made learning about it so much more fun. I hope to run into you from time to time. You are definitely missed.
By Jeremiah August 15, 2009 - 8:53 am

I took professor Juarez about three years ago for Anatomy. To this day she is the benchmark to which I compare all other professors both in their teaching ability and compassion. This person deserves recognition on a national level for her god given skills. I will always remember her as being the absolute best of what ACC has to offer to young minds.
By Peiwen Lu August 15, 2009 - 9:36 am

She is the best
By Phoebe Aguoru August 16, 2009 - 7:35 pm

I saw her smiling face on the web page and mine was lit.This recorgnition is over due. I don’t need to read about the postings about her and her teaching style. I’ve experienced the wonderful charm and dedication she brings with her in the classroom and has the continued privledge to experience more of her ever listening ears when ever possible. She is such a wonderful, and an inspiring teacher to know. If I am allowed to say, God sent teacher to ACC students.
By Angela Hieronymus August 17, 2009 - 11:10 am

I had the great experience of having professor Juarez for my anatomy teacher and I am even luckier to have her as my work study supervisor again this year. She deserves this recognition in every way, this is a professor who cheers her students on and encourages them to bring out their best performances.
By Suzie Adams August 17, 2009 - 6:12 pm

I agree with everything said, she is the best. I only had her as an instructor for two weekends and she is so far the best instructor I’ve had. Congratulations Mrs. Juarez!
By Samantha Rangel August 17, 2009 - 9:48 pm

She is an amazing woman, teacher, role model, human being!! I recommend her to anyone taking anatomy. She makes learning a fun and interesting experience. I actually looked forward to going to class.
Congrats Dr.Juarez:)
By Cheryl August 18, 2009 - 7:52 am

I am not surprised that she is being recognized for being a great teacher, since it is the absolute truth. I found anatomy to be very challenging, but this professor helped me get through it. I absolutely love her. I wish all of the teachers at ACC were like her.
By Alex Gawler August 18, 2009 - 3:00 pm

Dr. Juarez is so awesome! TAKE HER! She is refreshing, kind, enthusiastic, and above all she wants to help you learn. We love you, Dr. J.
By Donna Jones August 21, 2009 - 7:15 pm

I was so delighted to see Dr. Juarez’ picture featured when I logged onto the ACC website today! I learned so much f/ Dr. Juarez’ class. She genuinely cares about her students and will make time for you if you ever have any questions or extra help! I am just sad that she doesn’t teach any other classes that I need! To NOT take her for your Anatomy class is a great disservice to yourself! I use so much of the material that we covered in our class every day at work. Thank you again Dr.Laura for the wealth of knowledge that you passed on to us!
By Christie raymond August 22, 2009 - 9:25 pm

I took dr.juarez in the spring of 09, the first day of class I was nervous and asked a lot of question’s. You are the best teacher I’ve ever taken. I enjoyed every minute I was there. Congrat’s and I hope other students can experience your teaching, and wisdom you share. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
By Christie raymond August 22, 2009 - 9:27 pm

I forgot please think about teaching physiology! 😉
By Yvonne :) August 23, 2009 - 7:53 pm

HERE, HERE! I send many thanks to Laura. She is an excellent teacher and an amazing person. She is very passionate about teaching and you feel that energy from her. Not only during her classes, but in the labs as well. She gives you all the tools you need. You just need to know the foundation in which you are ready to build. She is 110%. A true blessing in education.
By Kyle August 23, 2009 - 9:02 pm

Well deserved I took her anatomy class walking in scared to death only to leave the class with close to an A cause im a slacker haha she is by far the best teacher I have ever had, she made me excited about learning the subject and my friends got really tired of hearing all about it, if at all possible take this teacher you will learn so much and actually enjoy doing it! I owe her alot.
By Patriciana M August 24, 2009 - 9:30 am

So…I earned a barely ‘C’ in her Anatomy class and it was the best ‘C’ I have ever made. I never had to study to make good grades but that changed when I took this class. I developed new study/organizational skills from Dr. Juarez that has led to acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program here at ACC. There has never been another instructor in my 7years of college that I have learned from both in and out of the classroom. Kudos to Dr. Juarez.
By Katie Pixley August 26, 2009 - 11:32 am

I just finished a 6 week summer session for anatomy with Dr. Juarez. It was intense, to say the least. We had class and lab everyday of the week, and often when I wasn’t in class, I was at the library studying for the two tests a week. I can say, WITHOUT a doubt, that it was worth every minute. Dr. Juarez made the class interesting, fun, and understandable. She is the best professor I have had, EVER! I thoroughly appreciate her understanding and more importantly her desire to help her students learn. Truly an amazing professor. THANK YOU DR. JUAREZ!
By brittania shorter August 26, 2009 - 8:02 pm

she is the best teacher i ever had and i am sure she will best i every will have.
By Sterling Hartman August 27, 2009 - 4:04 pm

Dr Lala (Laura in Hawaiian) is out there about 10 sigma from the norm. She loves life, students, teaching, and most of all the beauty that she sees in Human Anatomy and shares with her students.

She is such a superb teacher I believe she could teach a brick to identify all the tissue types, organs, and the bones in the Human body.

She has enough energy I believe she could power Austin Electric.

I had her for the continuing education class to prepare to take the exam to get into her Human Anatomy Class and I have such high regard for her I was up at midnight on the first day I could register to get into her Human Anatomy class.

I never complained about the long drive from Cedar Park to SAC–I would have driven to San Antonio to get in her class.

She will remember her students long after you have been in her class and also responds to emails after you have completed her class.

My only fear is that she will get promoted into administration and students will loose a brilliant prof to paperwork shuffling.
By Soyean C. Hock August 31, 2009 - 8:21 am

She is the best teacher I have ever had. I took a introductory anatomy and physiology a couple of years ago. I am also planning to take anatomy class next spring, I will probably drive to SAC from Round Rock where I live. Because she is so great that the driving to SAC is really worth while.
By Liliana Loredo September 5, 2009 - 4:08 pm

I took professor Juarez for Intro to A&P and also for Anatomy, I really recommend her, she is the BEST TEACHER I ever had. She makes the class interesting and fun. She cares a lot if students are really learning, and if students are having a hard time in learning the material she is very welcome to explain and to help you one-to-one anytime you ask her for help.
Very dedicated teacher, and an amazing person, and friend.
(God bless you always Dr. Juarez)
By Jennifer September 20, 2009 - 10:50 pm

I was so excited to read the article about Dr. Juarez. I took her Anatomy & Physiology class and she made things so simple and easy to understand. She has such a great love for her students and career. Before I started her class I wasn’t too excited about the drive from Round Rock to SAC, but after the first week I was soooooo grateful. I passed her class with an A!!!!! I only wish I knew about her before I took Human Anatomy. She is the best teacher I’ve had and I always recommend her to everyone. Keep doing your thing Dr. Juarez!
By curtis booth September 22, 2009 - 7:43 pm

Ms Juarez-DeKu, hope I spelled it right or you get points off. She improved my spelling by 100%. Great smile, clear crisp voice, she goes the xtra mile when the answer is only 100 yds away. Great command of a classroom, and extremly fair. Don’t get caught cheating as you will ignite that latin blood to a boil. I came back to college at 49 and she has been the best I’ve so far and there are some very good teachers she is competing with. But you can’t touch this!!
By Sandra September 30, 2009 - 6:08 pm

Being a hispanic Dr. Juarez has been an inspiration in my life. I took Dr. Juarez of A&P and she’s been the best teacher I’d had. She motiveted me to continue with my esducation and to never give up. Gracias Dr. Juarez for being such a great teacher but, most of all the Greatest Person!God bless you and your family.
By Maricela Vidaurri October 5, 2009 - 4:19 pm

“Isn’t it beautiful?” A phrase i often think upon when she was describing something about our human body. She carries the presence of wonder and love for the human body and her relationships. GO LAURA!
By irma buron November 8, 2009 - 7:51 pm

Congradulations from the bottom of our hesrt’s, very proud of you, and your accomplishments.

Tio Antonio Tia Irma y familia