by Emma Shepard
The UAB Office of the Provost has recognized three faculty across the university for excellence in service learning, undergraduate research and core teaching.
The faculty excellence awards, supported the UAB Office of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research, acknowledge extraordinary commitment to engaging UAB’s undergraduate students in research, creative activities, service learning and core teaching experiences. Faculty could be nominated by any UAB student, faculty, staff or community member.
Faculty awardees were recognized at the UAB Faculty Recognition Reception held Oct. 16, 2024, at the Hilton Birmingham at UAB. Others recognized at the reception included recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching as well as awardees for three named provost awards.
The Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Service Learning
Michele Forman
Assistant Professor and Director, Media Studies Program, Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences
“[Professor Forman] is such an amazing teacher!” a nominator wrote. “She has given me opportunity after opportunity and so much care with the work she teaches us. She continues to pour into her students and the faculty around her. Professor Forman is one of the monumental pieces in the success of film and media studies. Her efforts are invaluable.”
The Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research
Samantha Giordano-Mooga, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Health Professions
Director, Undergraduate Honors Research Program, School of Health Professions
“Dr. G is incredibly deserving of this award due to her unwavering dedication to mentoring undergraduate research students,” a nominator wrote. “The impact that she has had on her students, including myself, has been transformative. Dr. G’s mentorship goes beyond imparting knowledge; she empowers students to become independent thinkers and problem solvers.”
The Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Core Teaching
Joe March, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Director, Science and Technology Honors Program, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
“[Dr. March] is passionate about science education; he imparts this enthusiasm to his students in the classroom,” a nominator wrote. “He is incredibly effective in integrating learning pedagogy with teaching…Dr. March’s chemistry classes are critical to the undergraduate teaching mission of the department and UAB.”
Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D., senior vice president of Academic Affairs and provost, congratulated the faculty awardees.
“These awards are an opportunity to recognize the wonderful work of our faculty, who are so dedicated to our students and their success,” Woodruff-Borden said. “It’s an honor to work alongside our engaged, motivated, and energized faculty here at UAB.”
Scott Phillips, Ph.D., vice provost for Innovative Teaching and Academic Engagement, thanked each awardee on their service, research and teaching successes.
“These faculty have shown their unwavering dedication to furthering the mission of UAB by creating transformational educational experiences for their students,” Phillips said.
