CETL University Teaching Award Winners

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning University Teaching Awards are held annually to honor faculty and graduate students who show exemplary commitment to their teaching craft. The winners of these awards are leaders in their disciplinary pedagogy, innovation, and have an unequaled focus on student success.

Announcing 2022 Teaching Award Winners

University Teaching Fellow

The recipients who win this award are representative of exemplary practice and service to the university. Their commitment to teaching, demonstrated knowledge of pedagogy, and an interest in fostering innovative teaching practices is unparalleled. This award identifies recognition of excellence in and out of the classroom by students, peers, and administrators. The 2021 Winners of the University Teaching Fellow Award are:

Xinnian ChenXinnian Chen

Xinnian Chen is Professor in Residence in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology. She teaches Enhanced Human Physiology and Anatomy courses to 350 biology majors and direct laboratories associated with these courses. Her current research interests include understanding the mechanisms through which can increase students’ engagement in classrooms and ways to promote institutional adoption of evidence-based teaching pedagogies. More information on Dr. Chen can be found here.

Cara BernardCara Bernard

Cara Bernard is Assistant Clinical Professor of Music Education at the University of Connecticut in the Neag School of Education, where she teaches courses in choral and elementary methods, curriculum, and supervises student teaching. Dr. Bernard currently serves on the editorial committees of Music Educators JournalArts Education Policy ReviewJournal of Popular Music Education, and serves as associate editor of Visions of Research in Music Education. She has served on the CT State Education Department’s Arts Equity Incentive Committee and the National ACDA Diversity Initiative Sub-Committee, where she created policy, curriculum, and outreach to make the Arts accessible and equitable for all students. Currently, she is President-Elect of CT American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).  Learn more about Dr. Bernard here.

Steve StifanoStephen Stifano

Stephen Stifano is an Associate Professor in-Residence and the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Communication. He pairs a quantitative research background alongside work as a designer, event producer, and independent filmmaker. Dr. Stifano teaches and supervises COMM 1000, the introductory course in Communication which was recognized as the 2016 Basic Course Program of Distinction by the National Communication Association. He is also the department's faculty lead on a series of courses in Multimedia Production, where he has personally created five new courses to expand the department's curriculum. From 2019-2021, Dr. Stifano spearheaded a massive reimagining of the Communication curriculum to improve student experiences, streamline course offerings, and tailor the program to student needs upon graduation.  Learn more about Dr. Stifano here.

Teaching Fellow Previous Award Winners

2023-2024

Lindsay Cummings, Dramatic Arts
David McArdle, Mathematics
Suzanne Wilson, Curriculum & Instruction

2022-2023

Stephen Stifano, Communications
Xinnian Chen, Physiology and Neurobiology
Cara Bernard, Curriculum & Instruction

2021-2022

Oskar Harmon, Economics
Sarira Motaref, Civil and Environmental Engineering

2020-2021

Devra K. Dang, Pharmacy Practice
Jason Hancock, Physics

2019-2020

Thomas Van Hoof, School of Nursing
Annamaria Csizmadia, Human Development & Family Studies

2018-2019

Laura Donorfio, Human Development and Family Studies, Waterbury
Daniel Burkey, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

2017-2018

John Clausen, Natural Resources and the Environment
Nicholas Leadbeater, Chemistry

2016-2017

Amit Savkar, Mathematics
Steven Zinn, Animal Science

2015-2016

Lisa Sanetti, Educational Psychology

2014-2015

Mary Truxaw, Curriculum and Instruction
Ray DiCapua, Art & Art History
Thomas Meyer,Natural Resource and the Environment

2013-2014

Craig Coleman, Pharmacy Practice
Alans S. Marcus, Curriculum and Instruction

2012-2013

Douglas Kaufman, Curriculum and Instruction
Catherine Little, Educational Psychology

2011-2012

Robert Milvae, Animal Science

2010-2011

No awardee this year

2009-2010

Wendy Glenn, Curriculum & Instr. Dept.
Jane Kerstetter, Allied Health Services

2008-2009

Joseph Madaus, Educational Psychology
Robin Bogner, Pharmaceutical Sciences

2007-2008

Ralph B. McNeal Jr., Sociology
Sarah Glaz, Mathematics

2006-2007

Jaci Van Heest, Kinesiology
C. Michael White, Pharmacy

2005-2006

Ernie Zirakzadeh, Political Science
Greg Semenza, English
David Moss, Education
Nancy Rodriguez, Nutritional Sciences

2004-2005

Daniel Civco, Natural Resources Management
Del Siegle, Education

2003-2004

Preston Britner, Family Studies
Doug Cooper, Engineering

2002-2003

No awardees this year

2001-2002

Thomas DeFranco, Curriculum and Instruction
Karl Guillard, Plant Science

2000-2001

Nina Rovinelli Heller, Social Work

1999-2000

John Ayers, Electrical & Systems Engineering
Stephen Jones, English (Avery Point)

1998-1999

Regina Barreca, English
John Enderle, Electrical & Systems Engineering
Robert Gallo, Physiology & Neurobiology
Sally Reis, Educational Psychology

1997-1998

David B. Miller, Psychology
Katharina von Hammerstein, Modern & Classical Languages

1996-1997

Jean Givens, Art & Art History
Sandra Rigazio-DiGilio, Family Studies
Linda D. Strausbaugh, Molecular & Cell Biology

1995-1996

Janine Caira, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Cameron Faustman, Animal Science
James M. O'Neil, Family Studies & Educational Psychology

1994-1995

Keith Barker, Computer Science & Engineering

1993-1994

Douglas S. Hamilton, Physics

University Teaching Innovation

University Teaching Innovation: The individuals considered for this recognition show a demonstrated commitment to continuously improving teaching through innovation and reflective practice. They are dedicated to teaching effectiveness and support enhanced levels of student engagement and learning. The 2021 winners of the University Teaching Innovation Award are:

Jon-MooreJonathan Moore

Is an advocate for keeping technology human. He is interested in the growing field of Gamification in Business with a focus on user experience design. Although he has a heavy focus on emerging technologies and analytics, many of his interests intersect with the concept of a sustainable world. This ideal is often aligned with many of the projects he takes on and the research he tries to involve himself in. Within the past few years, he has worked to develop a company with a group of colleagues focused on SAAS (Software as a Service) within different markets. he considers himself a jack of all trades and an advocate for student focused teaching and experiential learning. Find out more about Mr. Moore here.

Teaching Innovation Previous Award Winners

2023-2024
  • Eleanor Ouimet, Anthropology
  • Linda Pescatello, Kinesiology
2022-2023
  • Jonathan Moore, Operations and Information Management
2021-2022
  • Howard Winston, Physics
  • Rahul Kanadia, Physiology & Neurobiology
  • Georgios Matheou, Mechanical Engineering
  • Leanne Adams, Accounting
2020-2021
  • Anthony Rizzie, Mathematics
  • Sarah Reed, Animal Science
2019-2020
  • Cynthia Jones, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
  • Stephen Stifano, Communications
2018-2019
  • Jamie Kleinman, Psychological Sciences, Avery Point
2017-2018
  • Jeffrey Ladewig, Political Science

2016-2017

  • Gary Robbins, Natural Resources and the Environment
2015-2016
  • Roger Travis, Literature, Culture & Languages

Teaching Scholar Award Winner Archives

2014-2015
  • John Andrew Jolly-Ballantine, Geography
  • Lauren Schlesselman, Pharmacy Practice
2013-2014
  • Jennifer Brown Mailly, Law School
  • Jason Courtmanche, English
2012-2013
  • René Roselle, Curriculum and Instruction
2011-2012
  • Thomas Barber, Mechanical Engineering
2010-2011
  • Thomas Abbott, Molecular & Cell Biology
  • Kristen H. Kimball, Physiology & Neurobiology
2009-2010
  • Kevin McEvoy, Marketing

University Outstanding Adjunct

This award identifies exemplary adjunct faculty with teaching service to the University. The individuals considered for this recognition show a commitment to teaching, demonstrated knowledge of educational pedagogy, and an interest in fostering innovative teaching practices at the University. Congratulations to the winners of the Outstanding Adjunct Award.

Julie ChoffelJulie Choffel

Julie Choffel has been teaching creative writing and literature at UConn for the last ten years. Her work with students approaches writing and reading as creative, experiential, and collaborative practices. She is the author of The Hello Delay (Fordham UP) and a handful of chapbooks. Her newest poems can be found published or forthcoming in Zócalo Public Square, New American Writing, Barrow Street, Posit, Orion, and on a bus headed your way via Poetic Journeys.

cynthia_vanfleetCynthia Van Fleet

Cindy Van Fleet has been an educator for over 40 years. As a high school Family and Consumer Science teacher she had the opportunity to become involved in the UCONN ECE program, beginning in 2004 and continuing until she retired in June of 2018. In 2008 she was hired as an adjunct in the Human Development and Family Studies Department and has continued to teach post retirement. Cindy has served as an ECE faculty liaison, an ECE Instructor, Received the Meriden Teacher of the Year award in 2013 and the UConn Early College Experience Instructor of the Year of Excellence in Course Instruction in 2011. Cindy lives in Wolcott, where she and her husband raised their three children. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spending time with their three grandchildren.

Outstanding Adjunct Previous Award Winners

2023-2024
  • Sarah Casper, Human Development & Family Sciences, Hartford
  • Paulo Contreras, History, Hartford
  • William Schwendner, Mathematics, Stamford
2022-2023
  • Julie Choffel, English
  • Cynthia Van Fleet, Human Development & Family Sciences
2021-2022
  • Louisa Baker, Human Development and Family Sciences
  • Mark Tschiegg, Management
2020-2021
  • David Tonn, Electrical and Computer Engineering
2019-2020
  • Cynthia Frank, Anthropology
  • Edward Orszulak, Educational Psychology
2018-2019
  • Ron Glaz, English, Hartford
2017-2018
  • Stuart Duncan, Music
  • Jeannette Wick, Pharmacy Practice
2016-2017
  • Marianne Cavanaugh, Mathematics
2015-2016
  • No awardee this year
2014-2015
  • Jann Leppien, Educational Psychology
2013-2014
  • Cara Vickers, Art & Art History
2012-2013
  • No awardee this year
2011-2012
  • Steven Kalb, Journalism
  • Lynne Rogers, English (Avery Point)
  • Laurie Wolfley, English (Avery Point)
2010-2011
  • Mark Naigles, Mathematics
  • Lori A. Smolin, Nutritional Sciences
2009-2010
  • Tamarah Kohanski, English
  • Sydney Plum, English

University Outstanding Graduate Student

The Outstanding Graduate Teaching Awards were established in 1999 to recognize teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in the classroom or laboratory. The nominee for this award demonstrates effective instructional skills, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, and contributes to the development of the instructional program.

amani_jayacodiAmani Jayakody

Amani Jayakody is a Ph.D. ABD candidate in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Physics, University of Connecticut.

Mandy LongMandy Long

Mandy Long is a Ph.D. candidate in the Philosophy Department. Learn more about Mandy here. 

TWaltersTracy Walters

Tracy Walters is a PhD candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. Learn more about Tracy here

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Previous Award Winners

2023-2024
  • Ningwei Jiang, Mathematics
  • Quinn Molloy, Geography
  • Rebecca Oramas, Physiology and Neurobiology
  • Kiedra Taylor, English
2022-2023
  • Amani Jayakody, Physics
  • Mandy Long, Philosophy
  • Tracy Walters, Human Development & Family Sciences
2021-2022
  • Megan Lyons, Music
  • Pauline Levy Valensi, Literatures, Cultures, and Languages
  • Sercan Canbolat, Political Science
  • Jaime Blackmon, Psychological Sciences
2020-2021
  • Samantha Lawrence, Human Development and Family Studies
  • Matthew Phelps, Physics
2019-2020
  • Mary Bugbee, Anthropology
  • Sally Chamberland, Molecular & Cell Biology
2018-2019
  • Alycia LaGuardia-LoBianco, Philosophy
  • Phanuel Mariano, Mathematics
2017-2018
  • Holly K. Brown, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
  • Niko Tracksdorf, Literature, Cultures & Languages
2016-2017
  • Aida Talic, Linguistics
  • Amanda Bulger, Art & Art History
  • Nataliya Plesha, Agricultural & Resource Economics
2015-2016
  • Jennifer Corriveau, Psychology
  • Klye Hull, Communications
  • Rebecca Ranucci, Management
  • Manette Sandor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
2014-2015
  • Alexandra Merceron, Communications
  • Matthew Lamoureux, Mathematics
2013-2014
  • Jorge Castillo
    El Institute: Institute of Latina/o Cribean and Latin American Studies
  • Nicholas Koberstein, Human Development & Family Studies
  • Valerie Pare, Statistics
2012-2013
  • Jennifer Bisson, Psychology
  • Kirstin Lawrence-Apfel, Natural Resources and the Environment
2011-2012
  • Mamta Kapoor, Pharmacy
  • Anurag Rimzhim, Psychology
2010-2011
  • Barbara Gurr, Woman's Studies
  • Sara K. Johnson, Human Development & Family Studies
  • Brett Shook, Physiology & Neurobiology
2009-2010
  • Martina Lüke, Modern & Classical Languages
  • Oscar Levin, Mathematics
2008-2009
  • Jason Schmink, Chemistry
  • Steven Todd, Philosophy
2007-2008
  • Renée Gilberti, Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Sumie Shima, Chemistry
  • Nicholas Shuda, Economics
2006-2007
  • Diana Milillo, Psychology
  • Linda Patrylak, Communication Sciences
2005-2006
  • Donald Levy, Sociology
  • Fulvio Orsitto, Modern & Classical Languages
2004-2005
  • Gabi Kathofer, Modern & Classical Languages
  • Regina Speicher, Mathematics
2003-2004
  • Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Business
  • Adam Potthast, Philosophy
2002-2003
  • Deborah Bubela, Physical Therapy
  • Douglas Hume, Anthropology
2001-2002
  • Christie Cathey, Psychology
  • Leslie Withers, Communication Sciences
2000-2001
  • Michelle Pulaski, Communication Sciences
  • Jason Molitierno, Mathematics
1999-2000
  • Carol S. Sotiropoulos, Modern & Classical Languages
  • Erika Anderson, Communication Sciences

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