Faculty and staff recipients of the university's most distinguished awards will be honored Monday, Sept. 22, in the Memorial Union Great Hall. The awards ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Following are the individuals who will be recognized.
Distinguished Professor
The title of Distinguished Professor, first awarded in 1956, is presented to faculty members whose accomplishments in research or creative activities have had a significant impact on their disciplines, and who have demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. A $6,500 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.
Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering
Vikram Dalal
Thomas M. Whitney Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dalal is widely regarded for developing materials and devices that more efficiently convert sunlight into energy. His research has led to device structures with significantly higher conversion efficiencies, and has changed the industry’s understanding of how organic solar materials degrade over time. He holds 12 patents for his work and is the author of 180 publications in refereed journals and conference proceedings.
Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Steven Rodermel
Professor of genetics, development and cell biology
Rodermel has made many significant contributions to the field of photosynthesis and chloroplast biogenesis. He is recognized as the world’s leader in deciphering the molecular mechanisms that lead to leaf variegation in plants. His work has produced more than 100 publications in significant journals, earned numerous research awards and contributed to the success of Iowa State undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students.
Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Hongwei Xin
Iowa Egg Council professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, and professor of animal science
Xin is director of the Egg Industry Center. He is internationally renowned for his research in the areas of poultry and egg production. His work addressing animal housing systems, animal welfare, air quality, production efficiency and sustainability has resulted in nearly 150 refereed journal articles, and in the process, modernized the poultry industry.
University Professor
The title of University Professor is bestowed on a faculty member who has acted as a change agent by making significant contributions to the university, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. A $6,000 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.
Steven Freeman
Professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering
Freeman has positively impacted Iowa State’s learning and scholarship efforts. In his role as associate director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, he has enhanced learning communities for undergraduate students and integrated the scholarship of learning and teaching into the university’s promotion and tenure process. He also is a leading authority on farm safety.
Gloria Jones-Johnson
Professor of sociology
Jones-Johnson has been an advocate for racial and gender equity at Iowa State for nearly 30 years. She is an expert in social inequality and the workforce, and currently directs the women’s and gender studies program. She also has been active as a member of numerous diversity-related groups and committees, and she is a longtime champion for graduate students.
Arvid Osterberg
Professor of architecture
Osterberg has been a strong change agent at Iowa State through his involvement in the design of public buildings and spaces on campus as inclusive designs that can be enjoyed by all people, including those with disabilities. He has reviewed more than 200 Iowa State capital project designs and, in the process, established ISU as a leader in accessible campus design.
Morrill Professor
Named for Sen. Justin Morrill of Vermont, the author of the Morrill Act that established the land-grant system of universities in the U.S. 150 years ago. The Morrill Professorship is awarded to faculty members who excel in undergraduate or graduate teaching, and/or extension and outreach programs. A $6,000 increment in base salary is granted, and the awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.
Cinzia Cervato
Professor of geological and atmospheric sciences
Cervato exemplifies the spirit of her Morrill Professorship through her active scholarship of learning and teaching in the geosciences, the bold use of active learning tools in large lecture courses, award-winning teaching and service to Iowa State. She created the Tall Grass Prairie Project, which uses sustainability as a vehicle for multidisciplinary teaching.
Donald Simonson
Professor of music and theatre
Simonson is a pioneer in the field of training the singing voice. He uses digital sound analysis software and other technological innovations in his teaching and research to help singers better understand and interact with the acoustical elements of the singing voice. He brings Broadway to campus as the music director/conductor for Iowa State’s spring student theater production.
W. Robert Stephenson
University Professor of statistics
Stephenson has modeled excellence in the undergraduate teaching and learning of statistics for more than 30 years. His innovative teaching methods have impacted thousands of statistics students in multiple generations. He has numerous refereed publications in the scholarship of teaching and learning in statistics education.
Regents Faculty Excellence Awards
The award is presented by the Board of Regents to recognize faculty members who are outstanding university citizens and who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa. A $1,000 award is granted.
Mufit Akinc
Professor of materials science and engineering
Akinc is well recognized for his research which has led to reduced energy consumption and lengthened the service lifetimes of many components in furnaces and related high-temperature applications. His administrative service includes 11 years as chair of materials science and engineering, which led to transformative changes in curricula and research in the department. As interim dean of the College of Engineering, he led efforts to renovate Marston Hall and to secure accreditation for all engineering curricula.
William Crumpton
Professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology
Crumpton is recognized nationally and internationally as an authority on the water quality functions of wetlands in agricultural landscapes and on performance-based approaches to wetland restoration. He also has dedicated substantial time to institutional service, especially in support of graduate and undergraduate interdisciplinary programs in environmental programs.
Kristen Johansen
Professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology
Johansen is widely recognized for her groundbreaking research on nuclear organization during the cell cycle as well as for her considerable contributions to teaching, student mentoring and leadership roles. Results from some of her research work appears in the quintessential molecular genetics textbook, Genes IX.
Mark Rectanus
Professor of world languages and cultures
For 29 years, Rectanus has served in numerous capacities that have positively impacted Iowa State. His most sustained internationalization effort at Iowa State is the establishment of the Languages and Cultures for Professions program. He is an internationally recognized scholar of German cultural studies whose research publications have had great impact on the fields of museum studies, media studies and the global publishing industry.
Regents Awards for Staff Excellence
The award is presented by the Board of Regents to recognize members of the professional and scientific or supervisory and confidential staff who are outstanding university citizens and who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa. A $1,000 award is granted.
Carol Heaverlo
Outreach coordinator, Program for Women in Science and Engineering
Heaverlo coordinates outreach for programs that reach more than 12,000 K-12 students every year across the state. She also directs conferences aimed at inspiring girls across Iowa to consider a career in a STEM field.
Tonia McCarley
Assistant director, Center for Biorenewable Chemicals
McCarley has played a key role in making the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals successful, including a recent $12 million extension to the center. She is regularly asked by the National Science Foundation to provide guidance to administrative directors at other engineering research centers.
Michael Miller
Manager, information technology, College of Design
Miller has made significant contributions through coordinating the acquisition, construction and renovation of the college’s research and teaching facilities, and finding innovative solutions to the college’s unique technology and space needs.
Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award
Established by a long-time staff member of the Graduate College, the award recognizes superior performance by a member of the graduate faculty in enriching the student-professor relationship and enabling students to finish their work in a timely and scholarly manner. A $2,500 award is granted.
Mufit Akinc
Professor of materials science and engineering
Akinc has been an extraordinary mentor and role model to both students and faculty throughout his career. What separates him is his genuine interest in the student as a person. Akinc is well recognized for his research. His administrative service includes 11 years as chair of materials science and engineering. As interim dean of the College of Engineering, he led efforts to renovate Marston Hall and to secure accreditation for all engineering curricula.
Steven Rodermel
Professor of genetics, development and cell biology
Rodermel is best described by his former students. One wrote: “Steve had a special ability to manage and mentor his people so that lab work and group discussions were … fruitful and constructive. He was also able to bring out the best in their strengths and find opportunities to strengthen areas of weakness.”
International Service Award
The award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding international service in teaching, research or administration within the United States or abroad. A $1,500 award is granted.
Julia Dominguez
Associate professor of world languages and cultures
Domínguez’ outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research, professional practice, service and outreach are all interconnected with Iowa State’s internationalization activities and goals. As co-director of two faculty-led study abroad programs, she has provided nearly 1,000 ISU students the opportunity to live abroad, undertake international internships and become both bilingual and bicultural.
Iowa State University Award for Departmental Leadership
The award recognizes outstanding departmental leadership that helps faculty members meet their complex obligations to undergraduate teaching, graduate mentoring, research and service. A $1,500 award is granted.
James McCormick
Professor of political science
Serving as chair since 1999, McCormick has navigated the department through many major changes in curriculum, funding and personnel. He has been an effective steward of the department’s resources, a provider of wise counsel and maintained a calm demeanor in the face of many challenges.
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching
The award recognizes faculty members for outstanding teaching performance over an extended period of time. A $1,500 award is granted.
Gayle Brown
Senior lecturer, veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine
Brown co-teaches two courses in the veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine department and assists with a third class. She also develops and manages content for the only course that is used at all U.S. veterinary schools.
Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award
Established by the late Louis Thompson, emeritus associate dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the award recognizes an outstanding teacher who is dedicated to helping undergraduate students. A $1,500 award is granted.
Jan Duffy
Adjunct instructor, accounting
Duffy has taught approximately 10,000 ISU students during her 25 years as an accounting instructor. She’s taught almost every accounting undergraduate course offered at Iowa State.
Thomas Holme
Professor of chemistry
Holme’s teaching is described by his nominators as “truly legendary.” He has a unique ability to quickly recognize the level of knowledge of his audience (or class) and aim his presentation at their level. Not only does he prepare lectures using examples relevant to the students’ interests, but he is adept at in-class student interactions.
James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching
Established by a 1928 Iowa State graduate, the award recognizes a faculty member for exceptional achievement in teaching introductory courses. A $1,500 award is granted.
Leroy Sturges
Associate professor of aerospace engineering
Sturges has made many contributions to engineering education at Iowa State and at the national and international levels, notably through his widely used textbooks in statics, dynamics and the mechanics of materials. For more than 15 years, he’s conducted weekly help sessions in the evening to assist students, one-on-one.
Award for Early Achievement in Teaching
The award recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding teaching performance unusually early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.
Jacob Harrison
Assistant professor of music and theatre
In the time he has taught at Iowa State, Harrison has transformed the University Symphony Orchestra into a sophisticated ensemble that consistently overflows the concert hall with enthusiastic audiences for each performance. He takes a personalized approach to working with all of the orchestra’s string performers.
Beth Hartmann
Lecturer, civil, construction and environmental engineering
Hartmann joined the department in 2009, after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. From the beginning, she has placed importance on creating a positive learning environment. She has served as faculty leader for the E2020 Scholars Program Leadership Pillar for the College of Engineering, and she leads efforts to create long-term and effective mentoring programs for students, faculty and staff in her department.
Award for Academic Advising Impact
The award recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser over an extended period of time. A $1,500 award is granted.
John Burnett
Student services specialist, natural resource ecology and management
Burnett has consistently proven to be a great resource and advocate for undergraduate education. He is responsible for recruitment, orientation and advising activities; and personally advises approximately 320 students. His success reflects his philosophy that each student is an individual who deserves his respect, time and attention.
Jane Dawson
Senior lecturer, geological and atmospheric sciences
Dawson is a powerful student recruitment and retention weapon. For her student advisees, she is a trusted, passionate, caring friend and a role model. For the incoming and visiting students, she is an inspiring, welcoming face. For her fellow faculty, she is an authoritative and accessible source of knowledge in academic advising.
Award for Early Achievement in Academic Advising
The award recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser early in his or her career. A $1,500 award is granted.
Ulrike Genschel
Assistant professor of statistics
Genschel has been overseeing students in undergraduate research experiences, some of which led to nationally recognized awards. Due to her initiative, the Undergraduate Statistics Club found new life and provides professional resources for students beyond immediate coursework.
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research
The award recognizes a faculty member who has a national or international reputation for contributions in research, and who has influenced the research activities of students. A $1,500 award is granted.
Lawrence Johnson
Professor of food science and human nutrition; director, Center for Crops Utilization Research
Johnson has been a highly productive and successful researcher in cereal science and technology with numerous books and chapters, peer-reviewed publications and $42 million in grants. He has a great vision and ability to enable people and research teams. With his assistance, many junior faculty and scientists have succeeded in establishing their own research programs.
Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research
The award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary research performance or scholarship accomplishments as documented by peers and experts in the field. A $1,500 award is granted.
Tong Wang
Professor of food science and human nutrition
Wang has developed novel food and fuel processing techniques and value-added utilization strategies for soybeans, corn and eggs, and transferred them to industries. She is internationally recognized as a lipid chemist. She has 100 peer-reviewed publications, 11 book chapters and 114 scientific presentations.
Xinwei Wang
Professor of mechanical engineering
Wang performs cutting-edge research in micro/nanoscale thermal transport, laser-material processing and micro/nanoscale thermal probing. His scholarship has been widely received, recognized and cited through publication in 85 high-quality journals with more than 1,000 citations.
Award for Early Achievement in Research
The award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career. A $1,500 award is granted.
Baskar Ganapathysubramanian
Associate professor of mechanical engineering
Ganapathysubramanian’s research focuses on the computational modeling and design of complex multiscale systems, primarily in the area of clean energy. His focus on bringing the tools and power of computational physics and mechanics to bear on problems of interest to the broader research community has resulted in highly productive collaborations with researchers across the world.
Kirsten Hofmockel
Associate professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology
Hofmockel is a nationally recognized scientist known for insightful research into soil microbial ecology. She has been awarded more than $6 million in research funds since arriving at Iowa State, participates in four interdepartmental graduate programs and has authored 18 scientific articles and two book chapters.
Professional and Scientific Research Award
The award recognizes excellence in research in a professional and scientific staff member who has been at Iowa State for at least five years. A $1,500 award is granted.
Amani Elobeid
Scientist, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development
Elobeid has become well recognized as a leading authority in world sugar and biofuel markets. Her outstanding research record has contributed significantly to the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute’s internationally recognized agricultural and trade policy research reputations. She has authored or co-authored 70 research reports and papers.
Award for Achievement in Economic Development in Iowa
The award recognizes individuals or teams of faculty or professional and scientific staff for outstanding ISU-based achievements in advancing the economic development of the state of Iowa. A $1,500 award is granted.
Linda Niehm
Associate professor of apparel, events and hospitality management
Niehm serves as the leader for the College of Human Sciences' Entrepreneurship Education Initiative and works closely with the PappaJohn Center for Entrepreneurship in providing support for individuals seeking counsel on starting a business. She’s also worked with numerous Iowa communities to strengthen and develop rural economies.
Award for Achievement in Intellectual Property
The award recognizes individuals or teams of faculty or professional and scientific staff for outstanding ISU-based achievements in producing intellectual property. A $1,500 award is granted.
Mark Hanna
Scientist, agricultural and biosystems engineering
Hanna’s seminal contribution to intellectual property at Iowa State is the development of the award-winning Impellicone manifold, a flow-divider system that enables better control over the application of anhydrous ammonia. It’s generated over $4.4 million in sales and $250,000 in licensing fees.
Professional and Scientific Staff Excellence Award
The award recognizes contributions made by a professional and scientific staff member within and beyond the university, and career progress demonstrated by accomplishments at Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.
Matthew Nelson
Design engineer, aerospace engineering
Nelson designed and supervised the building of the Make to Innovate Laboratory and now manages the laboratory, which serves 170 students working on 21 projects. He has progressed from his initial status as an electronic technician to the manager of an exciting hands-on experience for students.
Mark Peterson
Program coordinator, College of Business graduate program
Peterson’s strong leadership in Graduate Business Career Services and his professional service in the MBA Career Services and Employer Alliance have significantly improved the brand and recognition of Iowa State’s MBA and other graduate programs.
Renu Srivastava
Assistant scientist, Plant Sciences Institute
Srivastava has been recognized nationally and internationally for her research excellence. Since coming to Iowa State, she has been a coauthor on 11 and the lead author on four prominent research publications in some of the most respected journals in plant sciences. She has made advances in understanding how crop plants can be improved to better tolerate stress.
Carroll Ringgenberg Award
Named for a former long-time staff member in purchasing and facilities, the award recognizes a professional and scientific staff member who has been employed by the university for at least 10 years and has demonstrated constant and contagious dedication and goodwill for Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.
John Hoffman
Systems support specialist and web technologist, facilities planning and management
Hoffman actually supported and worked with Carroll Ringgenberg, the namesake of this award. They collaborated on the development of facilities planning and space utilization on campus. And you can thank him if you’ve ever used the online map to find your way around campus or looked up information about a building or classroom.
Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award
The award recognizes a professional and scientific staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career at Iowa State. A $1,500 award is granted.
Samantha Boyd
Communications specialist, Thielen Student Health Center
Boyd’s creativity and passion for building a student health brand has spread far beyond her department. The student health tagline she envisioned, “Specializing in Students,” is evolving from a marketing campaign into a culture of student affairs excellence.
Melissa Hulme
Hall director, Department of Residence
Hulme’s creative approach to problem-solving and collaboration resulted in a complete overhaul of the key management process in the residence department, directly impacting the safety and security of the facilities.
Sarah Wilson
Student services specialist, College of Business undergraduate program
Wilson offers high levels of achievement in all her duties, including scheduling classes and rooms in the Gerdin Building, identifying enrollment trends and registration needs, improving the prerequisite management program and collaborating with department chairs and the associate dean.
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding performance in statewide leadership in extension or professional practice and who has achieved national recognition for outreach activities. A $1,500 award is granted.
Daniel Loy
Professor of animal science and director, Iowa Beef Center
Loy helped pioneer the use of microcomputers in data management for cattle feeding operations. Later, he was instrumental in the transition by beef producers to cattle diets that include corn co-products.
Award for Distinguished Service in Extension
The highest award bestowed on an extension professional, it recognizes sustained distinguished performance and educational contributions to Iowa State's clientele through extension programs. A $1,500 award is granted.
Angela Rieck-Hinz
Extension program specialist, agriculture and natural resources extension and outreach
Rieck-Hinz coordinates statewide training programs for more than 3,000 manure applicators. Her leadership style fosters teamwork and collaboration on environmental stewardship programming across all levels within extension, and soil health and with water-quality stakeholders.
Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in extension or professional practice unusually early in his or her career. A $1,500 grant is awarded.
Darin Madson
Assistant professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine
Madson is internationally renowned for his diagnostic medicine skills and outreach efforts. His research discoveries have had a major impact on developing new approaches to assure the health and well-being of Iowa’s $12.5 billion animal agriculture industry.
R.K. Bliss Extension Award
Named for the director of extension from 1912 to 1946, the award recognizes outstanding achievement of an Iowa State extension staff member for developing an overall or continuing extension education program. A $500 award is granted.
Mary Beth Kaufman
Family finance program specialist, human sciences extension and outreach
Kaufman is on the cutting edge of emerging issues such as flood recovery, mental health and poverty reduction. She serves on the Iowa JumpStart board of directors, gives leadership to Money Smart Week in Council Bluffs and Shelby County, and is Iowa’s liaison for the High School Financial Planning Program.
