Stony Brook University Honors Eight Faculty Members for Teaching Excellence

This month, eight faculty members at Stony Brook University received the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award from the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The awards were presented during the New Faculty Orientation, organized by the Office of the Provost, just before the commencement of the fall semester. This recognition highlights the hard work and innovative teaching practices of faculty across various disciplines at the university.

Rose Tirotta-Esposito, Assistant Provost of Educational Transformation and CELT Director, expressed her admiration for the awardees. “I am continuously inspired by the amazing faculty here on campus. 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 noted. The ceremony also included the presentation of Outstanding Mentor Awards and Outstanding Lecturer Awards, aiming to share best practices and inspire new educators joining the Stony Brook community.

Recognized Faculty Members and Their Contributions

The recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Awards represent a diverse array of academic fields and contribute significantly to the university environment.

Anu Andrews, a Clinical Assistant Professor in Respiratory Care, received the Excellence in Inclusive Teaching – The David L. Ferguson Award for Inclusive Teaching. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Andrews incorporates real-world case studies and hands-on labs into her teaching, ensuring that all students feel supported and engaged.

Margaret Echelbarger, an Assistant Professor in Marketing, was awarded for Excellence in Teaching Innovation. Her research focuses on children’s consumer behavior, and she utilizes contemporary platforms like Instagram and Discord to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Darya Likhacheva, a Teaching Assistant and PhD student in Psychology, received the Teaching Assistant Award. Her commitment to tailoring course content to meet diverse student needs showcases her dedication to fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.

The Brooke Ellison Award for Accessible Teaching went to M Love, a PhD student and instructor in Linguistics. Love’s innovative course design includes flexible deadlines and multi-modal assignments, catering to students’ varied backgrounds and experiences.

Sheri Levy, a Professor in Psychology, was recognized for her excellence in teaching online courses. Her interdisciplinary work addresses critical societal issues, and she has developed multiple courses that reflect her commitment to fostering engaging online learning experiences.

Robert Nocito, a Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director in Emergency Medicine, received the award for Excellence in Experiential Education. He founded the Pathways to Healthcare program, which connects aspiring healthcare professionals with hands-on clinical opportunities, emphasizing real-world experiences.

Additionally, Gregory Ruf, an Associate Professor in Asian and Asian American Studies, was honored for Excellence in Teaching an In-Person Course. Ruf is actively involved in several academic programs and has previously received multiple teaching awards for his contributions to student learning.

Finally, Tracy Trimboli, a Clinical Instructor in the School of Nursing, was recognized for her excellence in assessment. With a focus on invisible illness and aging, Trimboli combines her extensive clinical experience with a student-centered approach to enhance educational outcomes.

These accolades not only celebrate individual achievements but also reinforce Stony Brook University’s commitment to fostering an environment of educational excellence. The recognition of these faculty members serves as an inspiration for both current and future educators at the university.