Excellence in the Classroom and Beyond

Excellence in teaching comes in many different forms, a fact exemplified by the John C. Butler Excellence in Teaching Award.

Shuhab Khan, professor of geology, has graduated 19 M.S. students, 10 Ph.D. students, and mentored countless undergraduate students in research.This year’s recipient, Shuhab Khan, professor of geology, is involved in a wide range of leadership roles that has left a lasting impact on his students’ education. The other recipient for this year’s Butler Award is Chad Wayne, instructional associate professor of biology and biochemistry.

From his excellence in the classroom to his roles as mentor, advisor, and director of student success initiatives, Khan excel as an educator in many different capacities.

The Butler Teaching Award, established in the memory of former College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean John Butler, recognizes faculty members who excel in teaching. Every year, this award is given to one instructional faculty member and one tenured/tenure-track faculty member, and is accompanied by a plaque and a $5,000 prize. Award recipients are also recognized at the NSM Convocation in May.

Nominations may be made by NSM departments, student organizations, faculty and students. Khan received letters of nomination and support from faculty, current students and former students.

Shuhab Khan – Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Khan, who joined the faculty in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in 2003, has graduated 19 M.S. students and 10 Ph.D. students. Countless more undergraduates have chosen to work in his group. In 2014, Khan was recognized with UH’s Teaching Excellence Award.

“As a supervisor, Dr. Khan is enthusiastic, outgoing and works closely with graduate and undergraduate research students,” wrote a recommender. “Dr. Khan is an outstanding teacher with an unwavering commitment to developing innovative, hands-on coursework,” wrote another. Khan shows “an ability to explain complex details in simple, everyday concepts,” noted another.

As a mentor, Khan has a reputation for recognizing and developing talent. “Dr. Khan recognized my potential early on and encouraged me to remain in geophysics,” wrote one recommender. “Working with him has had an unprecedented impact on my professional and academic life,” wrote another.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Khan has served as undergraduate advisor for the EAS department, during which he has led a major revision of the undergraduate curriculum. During the time he has been advisor, the department has seen a major increase in the number of undergraduates conducting research.

- Rachel Fairbank, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics