NSM Faculty Honored at UH Evening of Faculty Excellence
Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Undergraduate Research Recognized

Excellence in teaching and research are key elements of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ mission. On April 24, nine NSM faculty, instructors and teaching assistants brought home honors for their excellence in the areas of teaching and mentoring undergraduate research.

The awards, given each year at the “Evening of Faculty Excellence,” are one of the highest honors bestowed by the University of Houston. All winners receive a cash prize.

“All nine of the NSM awardees deliver excellence in their roles of teacher and mentor. Our students and NSM are clearly the beneficiaries of their dedication,” said Dan E. Wells, NSM dean.

Teaching Excellence Award Winners

Teaching Excellence – Instructor/Clinical
Paige K. Evans, Mathematics
Chad M. Wayne, Biology and Biochemistry

Teaching Excellence – Graduate Teaching Assistant
William “Drew” Russey, Biology and Biochemistry

Teaching Excellence – Group Teaching Award
Recognizes a cluster of faculty in both formal and informal programs who demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and student success, who have worked together collaboratively to improve student outcomes, and who demonstrate effective and innovative teaching.
Chang H. Yun, Jose Baez-Francheschi, Zhigang Deng and Olin Johnson – Computer Science, Interactive Game Development Program

Faculty Award for Mentoring Undergraduate Research

Lifetime Faculty Award for Mentoring Undergraduate Research
A career award acknowledging a professor’s exceptional efforts over a number of years demonstrating a lasting commitment to undergraduate research.
Rakesh Verma, Computer Science

John and Rebecca Moores Professorship

This five year, renewable professorship is given to faculty who are outstanding in teaching, research and service.
Steven C. Pennings, Biology and Biochemistry