Stony Brook University Honors Eight Faculty Members for Teaching Excellence

Eight faculty members at Stony Brook University received the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award from the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) this month. The awards were announced in the spring and presented during the New Faculty Orientation, organized by the Office of the Provost, just before the start of the academic year.

The recipients come from various disciplines across the university, highlighting the diverse academic environment at Stony Brook. According to Rose Tirotta-Esposito, Assistant Provost of Educational Transformation and CELT Director, “These awards are a vital part of our university’s commitment to pedagogical excellence, serving as a powerful testament to the hard work and creativity of our faculty.” She expressed particular enthusiasm for presenting the awards at New Faculty Orientation, suggesting it not only recognizes outstanding teaching but also inspires new faculty members.

Recognizing Excellence Across Disciplines

The Excellence in Teaching Awards included several categories, recognizing innovative approaches and commitment to student engagement.

Anu Andrews, Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Health Professions, received the Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award for her two decades of experience as a respiratory therapist. Andrews employs small group case studies and hands-on labs, adapting her teaching style to support all students, and actively participates in professional development courses focused on inclusive pedagogy.

Margaret Echelbarger, Assistant Professor in the College of Business, earned the Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award. Her research on children’s consumer development influences her teaching methods, which incorporate real-world examples and utilize platforms like Instagram and Discord to engage students in nontraditional ways.

The Excellence in Teaching – Teaching Assistant Award was awarded to Darya Likhacheva, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology. Her focus on Social and Health Psychology has enhanced her courses, as she adapts content to meet student needs and fosters a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

M Love, a PhD student and instructor in the Department of Linguistics, received the Excellence in Accessible Teaching Award. They redesigned a linguistics course to include multi-modal lectures, flexible deadlines, and an inclusive classroom environment to support diverse student backgrounds.

In-Person and Online Teaching Achievements

The award for Excellence in Teaching an Online Course was given to Sheri Levy, a Professor in the Department of Psychology. Levy has developed several courses that address significant social issues like aging, climate change, and human rights, and has gained recognition for her interdisciplinary collaborations and teaching excellence.

Robert Nocito, Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director in the Department of Emergency Medicine, received the Excellence in Experiential Education Award. He created the Pathways to Healthcare program, which connects aspiring healthcare professionals with real-world clinical experiences, thereby fostering community involvement and career preparation.

The Excellence in Teaching an In-Person Course Award went to Gregory Ruf, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in Asian and Asian American Studies. Ruf specializes in Chinese society and has contributed significantly to academic programs at various levels, earning multiple accolades for his teaching.

Finally, Tracy Trimboli, Clinical Instructor in the School of Nursing, was recognized for Excellence in Assessment. As a PhD candidate focused on invisible illness and aging, Trimboli leverages her extensive clinical experience to enrich her teaching and enhance student learning.

These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect Stony Brook University’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, which ultimately benefits the entire academic community.