2026 Champion: Cooks, Teha
Biography
Dr. Teha Cooks is the Associate Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus. She earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in STEM education from Texas Tech University and has taught science courses in K–12 settings. Dr. Cooks was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Howard University Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Captain.
COinS
2026 Champion: Cooks, Teha
Comments
Nomination Comments:
"Dr. Cooks played a central role in the development of my mathematics textbook, working alongside me in sustained weekly meetings for over a year and contributing the same level of energy, commitment, and thoughtful guidance that made this project possible. She was instrumental in shaping the pedagogical direction of the book, repeatedly engaging students in my EGR 442 and EGR 502 courses to gather their feedback, perceptions, and learning needs. She then transformed this input into superbly organized reviews and analyses that directly informed revisions and strengthened the clarity, relevance, and effectiveness of the manuscript. Dr. Cooks’ contribution went far beyond consultation—she invested genuine intellectual and professional effort at every stage of the process. Her insight into teaching and learning, her ability to synthesize student perspectives, and her steady encouragement were invaluable to the book’s progress. I also have a long-standing professional and collegial collaboration with her; we have co-authored scholarly work and successfully pursued research grants together, experiences that speak to her integrity, expertise, and dedication. She is an exceptional partner in academic initiatives and a tireless advocate for high-quality instructional resources."
Dr. Cooks has contributed to the development of several Eagle Pubs open textbooks, including Self Contained Course in Mathematical Theory of Probability by Timothy Smith, Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics by Andre Ludu, Introduction to Scientific Computing with Python by Harihar Khanal, Molecular Biology and Microbiology Protocols for Aerospace Physiology Research by Hugo Castillo, and one additional book currently in development.