Faculty of the Week: Summer Morrill

Courtesy of the Exeter Communications Department

By ANGELA HE, ISHAAN SINGH, and HENRY WISE

      Summer Morrill is the Dorm Head of Soule Hall, a teacher in the Biology department, an advisor of the Women in Stem Club, and an advisor of the Biology Club here at Exeter. Morrill is particularly invested in the topic of genetics, and many students adore her teaching style and her attitude all together as a teacher. Whether you are in Soule Hall, or walking around the science building, you’re bound to see Morrill somewhere.

      When Morrill was asked about how she came about her journey to Exeter, she stated, “I was a student here. I knew about the school and knew how great the environment was in terms of being able to teach interesting and challenging classes. It’s really great being back here and getting to see it from a different perspective.”

      On the topic of how she came about her love for biology, Morrill added, “When I was a student here, I took genetics and that was the first time that I ever felt like biology was my thing. I felt like you could use it to solve really interesting problems and it was a great intersection of math and science and getting to see all of the predictions that you can make.”

      Morrill also spoke about some of her favorite activities outside of the classroom. She said, “I am a big reader so whenever I’m not grading, or reading the textbook, or doing homework myself, I am reading a book for fun. I love getting to go downtown. We have a really great bookstore downtown, Water Street Bookstore, so I spend a lot of time there. I like going for walks and spending time with family.”

      As a teacher, Morrill has worked with many students who adore her many amazing traits. One of those students is upper Diego Shetreet.

      “She is always super upbeat and passionate about what she teaches, and is very approachable,” Shetreet commented.

      “She’s a great dorm fac and is very nice and friendly,” senior Thomas Roper, a member of Soule Hall, added. “Just having conversations in the common room when on duty has been fun.”

      One aspect that makes Morrill an amazing Exeter faculty member is the kindness and enthusiasm she brings to each class she teaches, and to anywhere else on campus. This is exemplified by some of her previous students, such as upper Advika Verma, who had Morrill as a teacher, and has known her since fall term of this year.

      “I loved her calm, relaxing demeanor. She has been one of my favorite teachers on campus and I think that her passion for genetics translates in the work and assignments we are giving. It is very refreshing to have a teacher that is as invested in the material as we are and challenges us to look at the material in different ways,” Verma said.

      “I think my favorite moments in biology are when someone asks just a totally random question and we can go down a rabbit hole and research it together. Biology is such a huge field that, someone asks about how an angler fish survives deep in the water and you get to investigate that together. And I feel like it always keeps me interested in learning,” Morrill said.

      Morrill’s enthusiasm about each subject, but also her calm, friendly attitude, is what draws so many students towards her as a teacher. She is able to fuel their passions for anything they are interested in, and help them direct their focus to what they really want to pursue.

      “Dr. Morrill never simply hands me a solution on a silver platter, she will always guide me through the process and allow me to ponder it. Her teaching definitely fueled my passion for genetics, and because of her, I now know where I want to direct my future career,” Shetreet said.

      “I have learned a lot of problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills that I apply in other facets of my life from her classes. I loved learning about genetics in-depth and having a teacher that always encouraged learning of all kinds,” Verma added.

      Morrill also stated that her insight into her student’s lives is one aspect that makes her job unique.

      She said, “I get to not just get to know my students as biologists, but I get to know them as dancers, singers, and robotics [team members]. Just getting to know students as a whole person rather than just as a scientist. Getting to meet amazing people every day, every year, and then having people eventually come back and visit after they graduate, that’s really special.”

      For years, Morrill has been a guide to students all around campus, whether in Soule Hall, in her classroom, in the biology club, or in women in STEM, and she will continue to do so in the future. She always brings her bright, friendly energy with her anywhere she goes, and students will forever appreciate the passion she brings to the classroom every day, eager to help students learn about what they are passionate about.