2023 Faculty Convocation Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Ernest R. Graham Center Ballrooms
PROGRAM Welcome Noël C. Barengo Chairperson, Faculty Senate Member, FIU Board of Trustees National Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner – Francis Scott Key FIU Alma Mater Belinda Gunn – Lyrics Carl Strommen – Music Performed by: Barry Bernhardt Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts Area Coordinator of Wind, Brass & Percussion Studies, Associate Professor and Director of Bands David Chatfield College of Arts & Sciences Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Robert B. Dundas Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts Associate Professor of Vocal Performance, FIU Opera Theater Director Vindhya Devi Khare Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts Area Coordinator of Vocal Performance, Associate Teaching Professor of Vocal Performance Erynn Millard Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of Choral Studies Marcelo Santa Cruz Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts Graduate Assistant: Choral Studies
Provost’s Welcome Elizabeth M. Béjar Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer President’s Message Kenneth A. Jessell President Keynote Address Stephen M. Fain Professor Emeritus Founding University Professor Faculty Award Presentation Presenter: Stephen Loynaz Access Consultant Manager, Disability Resource Center Distinguished University Professor Award Presenter: Stephen Loynaz Access Consultant Manager, Disability Resource Center Fain Fellow Faculty Award Presenter: Elizabeth M. Béjar Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer Presenter: Stephen M. Fain Professor Emeritus, Founding University Professor President’s Council Real Triumph Faculty Award Presenter: Elizabeth M. Béjar Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer Closing Remarks Elizabeth M. Béjar Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer
FACULTY AWARDS Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching M. Hadi Amini Assistant Professor, Computer and Information Sciences College of Engineering & Computing Dr. Amini helps students form a strong foundation in the central concepts of mathematics and computing by teaching students how to build complex ideas from simpler axioms and theorems. He does this while keeping students securely connected to how the material relates to real-life situations. A cornerstone of his success is the clear feedback he provides students, and how he creates an environment in which students may give feedback and exchange ideas. Dr. Amini is forward thinking and has designed courses in anticipation of emerging fields. He has eight textbook authorships and editor appointments, contributing to computing education research.
Sat Gavassa Becerra Associate Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. Becerra has had impressive impacts in the teaching of foundational courses in biological sciences. Ten years of research and observation have led to a successful, novel, large enrollment, hybrid-flipped classroom using team-based learning that serves as a model for the Provost’s Hybrid Initiative. Dr. Becerra is a role model for all faculty and shares her education materials and innovations to help foster student success. She created the online learning platform Biology DemoED and a YouTube Channel, Biology Makes Sense. These innovations support her philosophy of providing increased structure, feedback and practice, and cultivating a growth mindset for deep learning.
Tim Dugan Birrittella Teaching Professor, Marketing and Logistics College of Business When Mr. Birrittella teaches the introductory business course, more students become marketing majors or minors, a direct result of how well he is able to engage them and capture their interest. Mr. Birrittella teaches a range of marketing courses, all equally informative and inspiring, creating unique learning experiences that help foster success after graduation. He establishes a classroom culture of inclusivity and critical thinking, and invites an authenticity that allows students to relate to the profession. He brings real world industry experience and current challenges into the classroom and creates a platform for engagement with community stakeholders and real problem-solving.
Ebru Özer Associate Professor, Landscape Architecture College of Communications, Architecture + The Arts Mr. Özer’s exemplary teaching is evidenced in both her course structure and her students’ success. Dr. Özer creates an environment in which learning is rigorous and scaffolded to support students integrating knowledge in a highly effective way. This is evidenced by the numerous awards her students receive (locally and internationally) and having papers accepted by the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. One student wrote that Dr. Özer “touched my mind, work ethic, and my heart.” Dr. Özer received the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture.
Stephen Secules Assistant Professor, School of Universal Computing, Construction, and Engineering Education College of Engineering & Computing Dr. Secules has had a formidable impact on curricular and course development, and in advancing pedagogy in engineering courses. He has developed and/or taught foundational courses in both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs and has been a leader in providing clarity of expectations, critical instructive feedback, and conceptual rigor in a responsive and inclusive environment. Dr. Secules augments the teaching of engineering principles by inculcating the affective aspects of being in the classroom and the ultimate engineering products. He creates a learning environment of inclusivity, authenticity, and cultural relevance that has had measurable impact on student outcomes.
Ju Sun Teaching Professor, Mechanical and Materials Engineering College of Engineering & Computing Dr. Sun’s impeccable and outstanding reputation among her colleagues and students is based on the way she translates her philosophy, “Engineering in practice leads to profound change and improvement in society” into creating graduates who recognize themselves as agents of change. Dr. Sun teaches many of the core courses in Mechanical Engineering, where her principles of teaching (relation to reality, maximizing strengths, stimulating interest, communicating effectively and establishing rapport, and adapting with advancing technologies), have developed a multitude of students who graduate with “…quality mental connections...” and credit Dr. Sun with making them “…into the engineer I am today.”
Faculty Award for Excellence in Gateway Teaching Umut Caglar Associate Teaching Professor, Center for the Transformation of Teaching Mathematics College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. Caglar’s emphasis on transforming gateway math classes into zones of collaboration, exploration and human connection have converted these courses from impediments of progress to courses where foundational knowledge and a transition to college levellearning begins. The courses are highly structured, contain assignments to be completed prior to class, and have a high degree of feedback. Additionally, Dr. Caglar asks students for feedback during the semester and adapts the coursework to support their needs. Dr. Caglar’s success is seen in the low drop rate and high pass rate of these courses that were, historically, roadblocks.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service Tracey Anne Weiler Associate Professor, Human and Molecular Genetics Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Dr. Weiler’s extraordinary commitment to service is based on fostering connections, providing opportunities, and improving education. Dr. Weiler serves on all levels of academic life (College of Medicine, the university, and the profession) as well as in the community. Her service ranges from curricular and course development, medical student evaluations and promotions, president of the HWCOM Faculty Assembly, FIU Institutional Assessment, and bridge programs for STEMM students, to her leadership in the American College of Medical Genetics Education Committee. Additionally, Dr. Weiler has created tips and a series of workshops to aid colleagues on the use of Microsoft technology.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research Orlando Jacinto Garcia Distinguished University Professor, Music College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts Dr. Garcia is a modernist classical composer whose work is performed in local and international venues alike. Dr. Garcia has received support from the MacDowell, Bogliasco and Knight Foundations, and was awarded the 2022 American Academy of Arts and Letters Hinrichsen Prize. Locally, he was commissioned for site-specific works by the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and an evening-long collaborative work, una marea creciente (a rising tide), which focused on sea level rise. He has released nine solo albums and 14 compilations on critically acclaimed labels. Most recently, he was a resident composer in Sweden’s Visby International Centre for Composers.
Zahra Hazari Professor, Teaching & Learning College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. Hazari’s research expertise in physics education research focuses on the hegemonic and androcentric culture of physics. Initially known for her work elucidating how experiences shaped the identities and persistence of women and underrepresented minorities in physics, at FIU Dr. Hazari has focused on how physics teachers create inclusive classroom environments that facilitate physics identity development. With over $4 million in grants, Dr. Hazari created STEP UP Physics, which currently boasts 3250 members, 1,800 of whom are high school physics teachers. She has given over 30 invited talks and has published 32 articles in the last five years, with an H-index of 35.
Alexander Kroll Associate Professor, Public Policy & Administration Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Dr. Kroll studies government performance systems that rely on metrics and data, and how the way in which these systems are designed needs more attention so that they are more adequately aligned with the values of society. Cited in US President Biden’s budget proposal and policy guidance given to federal agencies, Dr. Kroll’s work underscores weaknesses in design and how the system can be manipulated via politicization and gaming, and that red tape and stress may lead to more unethical behavior while visualizing social impact has the opposite effect.
Hebin Li Associate Professor, Physics College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. Li’s research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics focuses on the building blocks of functional matter and light at the quantum level. Dr. Li has published 17 peer-reviewed articles, coauthored the book, “Optical Multidimensional Coherent Spectroscopy,” and given 11 seminars and five invited talks. Dr. Li is supported on six active grants for a total of $7.8 million; one grant is as co-PI with physics Nobel laureate Dr. Eric Cornell. Dr. Li has graduated three PhD students who now hold prestigious academic positions, and has been recognized as an Optica Senior Member. He is a recipient of the Army Research Lab Summer Faculty award.
Selcuk Uluagac Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering College of Engineering & Computing Dr. Uluagac’s research expertise lies in the area of cybersecurity and privacy, with a focus on the Internet of Things devices and applications. Since coming to FIU, Dr. Uluagac has had 108 peer-reviewed publications, five book chapters, 54 conference papers, and 32 invited talks. He has also released three open-source software programs, been awarded 10 patents, and has garnered over $18.8 million in grants as PI or Co-PI. External awards include an NSF CAREER Award, Google – ASPIRE, and a Faculty Fellowship from the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Future directions include security and privacy in medical domains and bitcoinbased technologies.
Ioannis Zisis Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering College of Engineering & Computing Dr. Zisis’ research focuses on wind effects on built environments, specifically the impact of wind and wind-driven rain on infrastructure systems, structures, building components and cladding elements. Areas of work include characterization of a building’s interior damage, performance of traffic control systems, and the effects on photovoltaic systems during extreme weather events. Dr. Zisis has secured $3.3 million as PI and over $20 million as co-PI to date. Future research will investigate how to safeguard communities from extreme wind events and how to develop sustainable designs.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Advising and Mentorship Alma Abdel-Moty Professor, Occupational Therapy Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences Dr. Abdel-Moty’s goals of advising are to decrease cost and frustration and enhance students’ commitment to their chosen career and successful graduation. Her success is evident in the students and many alumni, who continue to correspond with Dr. Adbel-Moty with gratitude and respect. Within the last five years, she has advised all occupational therapy students, totaling more than 290 in all. In mentoring, which involves building of a collaborative relationship, Dr. AdbelMoty encourages and empowers students to achieve their personal goals. She is known for being direct, assertive yet supportive, and inquisitive, inspiring students to meet and exceed their goals.
Mohamed ElZomor Assistant Professor, Moss Department of Construction Management College of Engineering & Computing Dr. ElZomor advises and mentors all MS students in construction management as well as six doctoral students. He has successfully mentored over 80 undergraduate students, helping them pass the LEED GA exam, and was instrumental in launching the CM4+1 program. He hosted the graduate seminar to encourage student collaborations across disciplines. Dr. ElZomor’s students have performed extraordinarily well, with one doctoral student publishing 11 peer-reviewed articles and 25 conference articles. Additionally, Dr. ElZomor has successfully recruited minority students and helps international students as they adjust to life and university in the U.S.
Bruce McCord Professor, Chemistry College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. McCord’s philosophy that graduate school is a transition from student to independent researcher, a process that involves solving problems big and small, is evidenced in the way he trains, supports and guides students. In the last five years, Dr. McCord has mentored 20 graduate students, 12 of whom have graduated with terminal degrees, 15 undergraduates and 15 visiting scientists. Undergraduate authors have appeared in 31 papers and presentations and secured one patent. Graduate students have successfully published, and many have won prestigious awards and fellowships (NSF, NIJ, NIH and ORISE). Most importantly, they find gainful jobs they enjoy.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Engagement Rosa Roche Associate Professor, Nursing Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences Dr. Roche’s engagement focuses on advancing clinical services for underserved communities and leading impactful collaborations in education and outreach initiatives, specifically for vulnerable children. As Special Olympics Florida MedFest Clinical Director, Dr. Roche has provided children with disabilities a way in which to train and participate in high-level sporting events. Dr. Roche has worked with the Ventilator Assisted Children’s Camp and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to bridge community services and provide education for these pediatric populations. Dr. Roche’s engagement has significantly impacted the graduate nursing programs by fostering a sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty and community partners.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Librarianship Rebecca Bakker Assistant Librarian, Digital Collections Center & Geographic Information Systems Center University Libraries As a digital collections librarian, Ms. Bakker has guided and assisted in the creation of FIU’s digital records and repositories. Working with the diverse constituencies in South Florida, Rebecca has supported the creation of unique digital collections of the stories, histories, and culture of South Florida peoples and institutions. These digital collections include Panther Digital Repository, Institutional Repository, Miami Design Preservation League, and HistoryMiami. Ms. Bakker is a leader and role model for library faculty. In addition to her deep sense of collegiality, she has been instrumental in the updating and improving of the promotion manual and the Assembly constitution.
ADJUNCT FACULTY AWARDS Faculty Award for Adjunct Teaching Jonathan Carbone Adjunct Lecturer, Psychology College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. Carbone creates environments in which personal relevance to the content, data-driven teaching, and an inclusivity are paramount. Personal relevance promotes engagement with the course material and deep processing, thereby aiding in developing long-term memory. Dr. Carbone’s data-driven teaching is based on the evidence of learning tools he created to gauge whether important concepts were understood in class. He also employs the anonymous feedback box in the course Canvas shell and has obtained Quality Matters Certification for his courses. Knowing that people have a deep need for acceptance by peers, Dr. Carbone establishes a classroom culture of inclusivity.
DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS Distinguished University Professors Elizabeth Cramer Distinguished University Professor, Teaching and Learning College of Arts, Sciences & Education An exemplary scholar, researcher, teacher and mentor, Dr. Cramer is a leader in the field of urban special education. Dr. Cramer has shifted the focus from a model that emphasizes risks and deficits to a model that actively helps improve educational access and the tapping of potentials not previously acknowledged. In the last five years, she has secured $14 million in grants with the intent to attract diverse graduate students to this field (one study supports 45 graduate scholars, while another one supports 40). In total, Dr. Cramer has guided over 250 graduate students. Dr. Cramer is known as an adaptive, innovative teacher credited with creating programs and courses that are accessible to all students.
Krishnan Dandapani Distinguished University Professor, Finance College of Business Dr. Dandapani has been a core faculty in the doctoral program and is faculty director of the Professional MBA program. The PMBA, known for its innovative curriculum, has high enrollments and is one of the largest producers of master’s candidates in the country. Dr. Dandapani is a student-centric professor and involved in supporting many of the student societies and organizations. He is a civic leader on campus, being one of the longest-serving Faculty Senate Senators at FIU. Dr. Dandapani continues to publish in A* and A journals, and in 2019 had a paper voted one of the top three papers in the Journal of Financial Management.
Meredith Newman Distinguished University Professor, Public Policy and Administration Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Dr. Newman is known as a pioneer in the field of gender equity and the creator of a novel field, emotional labor. She is widely published, has spoken at numerous conferences and has a solid international reputation. In culmination of her work, she received the 2019 Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Public Administration and Public Policy in the World award. Her focus on affective leadership shaped the way in which she has led, both at FIU (department chair, Associate Dean, Vice Provost) and in the profession at large. Her work has resulted in two multi-prize-winning books and three best book awards, in addition to many other publications. Dr. Newman is a dedicated mentor to students and junior faculty.
Steven Oberbauer Distinguished University Professor, Biological Sciences College of Arts, Sciences & Education Dr. Oberbauer studies plant and ecosystem physiology and the impact external factors, such as climate change, have on plants in areas as diverse as the tropical forests of Costa Rica, Everglades National Park and regions in the Arctic Circle. He has authored over 150 peerreviewed articles and 11 books, and has secured over $11million in grants. Dr. Oberbauer is a noteworthy mentor and received the 2015 Faculty Senate University Mentorship Award. He is an active member of the department, has been a leader at all levels of university service, and has been involved extensively across the profession, including as a member of the Department of Energy’s Next Generation Ecosystem Arctic Advisory Working Group.
Bianca Premo Distinguished University Professor, History Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Dr. Premo has contributed significantly to the study of Latin American history, addressing important issues, including the mechanisms of legal resistance used by women slaves and Indians in late colonial Peru. She has been a recipient of nine distinguished scholarships and grants including fellowships from Guggenheim, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the Fulbright Senior Research Award. She has been the winner of five best book awards and has been elected leader to some of the most important academic associations in her field. At FIU, she has received six prestigious awards and recognitions, and contributes significantly to the education of our students. Dr. Premo is deeply committed to our diverse student body and mission of the university.
FAIN FELLOW AWARD Fain Fellow Faculty Award Stacy Frazier Professor, Psychology College of Arts, Sciences & Education Through the field of applied social and cultural psychology, Dr. Frazier progresses her mission of “improving the world by improving the mental health of our youth.” Dr. Frazier makes “science accessible, digestible, and actionable for youth care providers in marginalized communities…,” and is an extraordinary mentor. In sharing her vision of Spes Scientia Facultas, Dr. Frazier has: (I) improved the academy, health equity, and the experiences of the most vulnerable (Hope); (II) advanced research on improving service systems to promote integrated positive health and education for marginalized youth (Knowledge);= and (III) created programs for marginalized youth in multiple cities, accredited/shaped programs for students at FIU, and provided training, mentorship, and resources for her many current and former doctoral students (Opportunity).
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL AWARD PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL AWARD Selcuk Uluagac Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering College of Engineering & Computing Dr. Uluagac’s research expertise lies in the area of cybersecurity and privacy, with a focus on the Internet of Things devices and applications. Since coming to FIU, Dr. Uluagac has had 108 peer-reviewed publications, five book chapters, 54 conference papers, and 32 invited talks. He has also released three open-source software programs, been awarded 10 patents, and has garnered over $18.8 million in grants as PI or Co-PI. External awards include an NSF CAREER Award, Google – ASPIRE, and a Faculty Fellowship from the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Future directions include security and privacy in medical domains and bitcoin-based technologies.
FIU Alma Mater Belinda Gunn, Lyrics Carl Strommen, Music
We pledge to thee dear F.I.U., with voices loud and true, Alma Mater falter never, shine forever Gold and Blue, We fly our banners high, every culture, we embrace All our love and Panther spirit, young and old we make this place, We hail together F.I.U., every scholar side by side, and we hail to Alma Mater, Alma Mater be our Guide.
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