Schmidt College of Science Excellence Awards
To recognize the achievements of our faculty and staff, the Schmidt College of Science will present awards at a celebration on Dec. 8, 2026. Please check your email for more details and to RSVP. The awards recognize research, teaching, advising, service and dedication to the College’s mission and improving students’ experiences.
All winners will receive a framed certificate and a $500 cash award.
Nomination deadline: Monday, Nov. 16, 2026.
Nominations: Please submit all nominations to the Dean's Office at sciencedean@fau.edu with "College of Science Excellence Awards" in the subject line.
Note: Please refresh your browser when viewing the PDF to ensure you are reading the most up-to-date version (October 2026).
The Excellence Awards include (up to one award for each listed):
Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching and Advising Awards
- Faculty award for Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching; or
- Award to a faculty or staff member for Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Advising
Researcher of the Year Award
Up to one award (assistant, associate, and full) to honor excellence in sponsored and project-oriented research, with particular emphasis on externally funded research.
Faculty Service Award
In recognition of the many contributions of professional service provided by a faculty member to our local communities. This award will be presented to up to one faculty member judged most outstanding in the area of service to the community.
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year Award
Up to one award will be made to honor excellence in postdoctoral research.
Staff Service Award
In recognition of the many contributions of professional service provided by a staff member to our College. This award will be presented to up to one staff member judged most outstanding in the area of service to the College.
Questions?
Please contact the Dean's Office with any questions at sciencedean@fau.edu
.
Past Awardees
December 10, 2025 Awardees
Fall 2025 Winners
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching:
- Laura Fontenas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Researcher of the Year Award (assistant professor level):
- Ashkaan Fahimipour, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Researcher of the Year Award (full professor level):
- Monica Rosselli, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Psychology
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year Award:
- Amit Bhowmik, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Staff Service Award:
- Dominique Blanchard, MBA, Business Manager, College of Science Dean's Office
December 4, 2024 Awardees
Fall 2024 Winners
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching
- Angelica Hotiu, Instructor, Department of Physics
Staff Service Award
- Kimberly Vardeman, Interim Director, Center for Environmental Studies
Scholar of the Year
(eligible for assistant, associate, and full professor)
- Xiaolang Zhang, Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences
- Muxin Han, Associate Professor, Department of Physics
- Eric Dumbaugh, Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Researcher of the Year (eligible for assistant, associate, and full professor)
- Vivian Merk, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Jeanette Wyneken, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
April 24, 2024 Awardees
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching and Advising
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Donna Marion, Senior Instructor, Department of Psychology
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Tito Sempertegui, Senior Instructor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Researcher of the Year (eligible for assistant, associate, and full professor)
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Caiyun Zhang, Professor, Department of Geosciences
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Maré Cudic, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Scholar of the Year (eligible for assistant, associate, and full professor)
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Brett Laursen, Professor, Department of Psychology
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Weibo Liu, Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences
Excellence in Faculty Service Award
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Maria Fadiman, Professor, Department of Geosciences
Excellence in Staff Service Award
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Stacee Caplan, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences
April 26, 2023 Awardees
Inaugural celebration took place Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching and Advising
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Korey Sorge, Scientist, Physics
Faculty Service Award
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Vicki Sarajedini, Professor of Physics
Researcher of the Year (eligible for assistant, associate, and full professor)
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Wazir Muhammad,
Assistant Professor of Physics
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Marianne Porter, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
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Deguo Du, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Scholar of the Year (eligible for assistant, associate, and full professor)
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Rindy Anderson, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
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John Renne, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning
Staff Service Award
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Brittanney Adelmann, Director, Math Learning Center & Learning Assistant (LA) Program; Director, Education Reimagined – Quality Enhancement Plan; Math Learning Center Liaison to the Department of Mathematical Sciences