2020 Dean's Award Winners Announced
On Tuesday, December 8, College of Science Dean Fernando R. Miralles-Wilhelm presented his first Dean's Awards to ten faculty and staff for their service during the 2020 calendar year. College of Science faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to nominate a colleague, a supervisor, an employee, or self-nominate for any of the awards in which the nominee qualified. More than 100 nominations for more than 60 candidates were received.
Congratulations to the following faculty and staff:
Dean’s Big Challenge Award – Aarthi Narayanan (SSB/NCBID)
Awarded to a faculty member who has best contributed to solving one of the world’s biggest problems.
Dean’s Creative Educator Award- Steve Burmeister (Forensics)
The faculty member chosen should be engaged in efforts in cross-disciplinary education, innovative approaches to education, enrichment of students' educational experience outside the classroom, and the embedding of entrepreneurship as an integral part of students' academic experience.
Dean’s Award for Distinctive Service – Teri Fede (Dean’s Administration)
A classified staff member who has demonstrated excellence to students, faculty, and administration in meeting the vision of their home unit and the College of Science.
Dean’s Award for Early Career Excellence – Nirmal Ghimire (Physics and Astronomy)
An award for a Tenure-track (non-tenured) faculty member who has achieved notable success and has increased the profile for their Department and the College. Winner must show exceptional accomplishment in teaching and/or research, thus clearly establishing themselves as excellent faculty members. While they need not excel in all areas of faculty activity, they should be clearly superior in at least one area and not obviously deficient in any areas.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon (Dean’s Administration)
Awarded to a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated excellence in this area through their teaching, research, community outreach, or other efforts. As director of Educational and Career Pathways….
Dean’s Impact Award - Padhu Seshaiyer (Dean’s Administration)
Awarded to a faculty member who has achieved particular success and has made a notable impact and brought recognition to our College.
Dean’s Outstanding Staff Award – Kamica Wilson (Dean’s Administration)
Recognized for dedication to the well-being and operation of the college and the administrative units thereof. Individuals nominated shall exemplify strong capability, commitment and service to the College and the University community. Specific examples of the outstanding duties performed should be emphasized.
Dean’s Research Scientist Award – Hao Jing (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
The award recognize research excellence evidenced by the discovery of new knowledge as demonstrated by published work in books, journals and leading conferences; invited talks, prizes, inventions, patents and other recognitions; and, as appropriate, the track record of their competitive research funding.
Dean’s Research Support Award – Rachel Pepin (NCBID)
Awarded for being actively involved in supporting a solid research program in basic or applied sciences that has gained significant national and international attention. It must be clear that the nominee has made a valuable and innovative contribution to research in the college.
Career Achievement Award – Lee Talbot (ESP)
Dr. Lee Talbot, from ESP , has announced his retirement after 20 years of service at Mason. And we would like to recognize his service with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Lee is an ecologist and geographer with over 50 years’ experience in national and international environmental affairs, biodiversity conservation, management of wild living resources, environmental policies and institutions, environment and development, and ecological research. He continues to be senior environmental advisor to World Bank and many UN organizations. Lee Talbot has received innumerable medals and awards for his extraordinary career giving ESP, COS and the university a shining recognition worldwide for his work in biodiversity conservation.
