Recognition of Faculty & Staff
Each year the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics recognizes the outstanding scholarship, teaching and service of its faculty and staff. Recipients of the 2023–2024 Academic Year awards are listed below.
Dr. Kimberly Corum (Department of Mathematics), Business & Community Outreach Award
The faculty member selected for demonstrating an ability to reach successfully beyond the campus to develop and sustain beneficial relationships with business, industry and K-12 schools. “Dr. Corum’s endeavors have not only enhanced the educational journeys of our undergraduate researchers but have also had a positive impact on the broader community. Her dedication to outreach during her time at Towson University has been solid, consistently meeting the criteria for this prestigious award.”
Dr. Beth Kautzman (Department of Chemistry), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Justice Faculty Award
The faculty member selected for significantly impacting the FCSM community, making it more diverse, inclusive, equitable, or just. “Beth is a role model to her students, leading by example for the Hill-Lopes scholars, and for students in her classes and her research laboratory…Beth has consistently engaged in making our Department and College a more inclusive place for all of our students and colleagues.”
Dr. Laura Gough (Department of Biological Sciences), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Justice Faculty Award
The faculty member selected for significantly impacting the FCSM community, making it more diverse, inclusive, equitable, or just. “Dr. Gough has been among the most instrumental agents for change in promotion of a more inclusive mindset and environment at Towson University … I genuinely believe the work she’s done and continues to do makes Towson a better place to be for everyone.”
Dr. Erik Silldorff (Department of Biological Sciences), Excellence in Teaching Award
The faculty member selected for demonstrating excellence in the teaching of courses as reflected in both student and peer reviews and for sustaining a positive influence on students. “Dr. Silldorff’s energy and enthusiasm for the material is infectious … One faculty member, upon completing a teaching observation of Dr. Silldorff in BIOL343 commented, ‘That was the best lecture I have every attended’ … Dr. Silldorff cares deeply about student understanding and success … He is a role model for other instructors in the department …”
Jing Tian (Department of Mathematics), Excellence in Scholarship Award
The faculty member selected for demonstrating sustained interest and success in advancing the scholarship of your discipline through research funding, research papers, and invited presentations. “It is hard to properly explain the breadth of Dr. Tian’s work while also doing justice to its depth and novelty, however, note that Dr. Tian has co-written papers with 21 different colleagues since 2018 … Dr. Tian is a rising star in the Department of Mathematics and well deserving of recognition for her outstanding scholarship.”
Jinjuan Heidi Feng (Department of Computer & Information Sciences), Excellence in Scholarship Award
The faculty member selected for demonstrating sustained interest and success in advancing the scholarship of your discipline through research funding, research papers, and invited presentations. “In summary, I cannot recommend Dr. Jinjuan (Heidi) Feng strongly enough for the 2023 FCSM Excellence in Scholarship Award – her sustained, strong scholarship is outstanding and her work has raised the profile of TU. Simply stated, Dr. Feng personifies the scholar-teacher that TU needs.”
Dr. Mary Devadas (Department of Chemistry), Mentoring Award
The faculty member selected for fostering student development and attainment, and for having a positive and lasting impact on student mentees. “I give my strongest recommendation to Dr. Devadas for the FCSM Mentoring Award for her successes in mentoring students in her research laboratory … She [also] coaches students in all aspects of applications for scholarships and awards … She mentored the first LSAMP student in 2018, that paved the way for the LSAMP collaboration with TU.”
Dr. Min Ji (Department of Mathematics), University & Professional Service Award
The faculty member selected for sustained and dedicated service and significant contributions over the years to the department, the college, the university, and the profession. “Dr. Min Ji's exceptional service to our university and her unwavering commitment to the actuarial profession and academia make her a truly deserving candidate for the 2023 Award for University & Professional Service. Her impact on our ASRM program has been profound …”
Mr. Jim Selway (Department of Physics, Astronomy & Geosciences), Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award
The faculty member selected for demonstrating extraordinary excellence and dedication to student success through exemplary classroom teaching and the development of effective teaching methods and courses. “Jim Selway’s contributions go far, far beyond what could ever be imagined of a part-time faculty member. In many ways he has put our department on the map and left an indelible stamp on nearly everybody who has passed through it for the past 12 years. I can think of nobody who deserves this honor more.”
Mr. Jal Irani (Department of Computer & Information Sciences), Outstanding Lecturer Award
The faculty member selected for demonstrating extraordinary excellence and dedication to student success through exemplary classroom teaching and the development of effective teaching methods and courses. “Dr. Irani exemplifies teaching, service, and what it means to be a ‘tiger’…In every way, he far exceeds what it means to be a Lecturer at Towson University … His sustained dedication to teaching excellence, service to the university, and delivering quality instruction, advising, and mentoring to our students has personally inspired me, and has raised the profile of our students, department, and university.”
Ms. Jennifer Scott (Department of Biological Sciences), Staff Performance Award
The staff member selected for outstanding skills in their position, for the ability to maintain a high-quality, efficient and smooth-running operation, and for being an outstanding team player. “Since she [Jen Scott] started in our department, she has continued to go above and beyond in her role even through extraordinarily challenging circumstances; she is well deserving of this award … These last few years have shown all of us over and over again how devoted she is to our department and to TU and how her work benefits so many.”
Dr. Alexei Kolesnikov (Department of Mathematics), Outstanding Faculty Award
The faculty member selected for extraordinary overall excellence and many accomplishments as a productive scholar, dedicated teacher, mentor, and exemplary colleague. “Alexei is an outstanding faculty member in teaching, research, and service, but more importantly he is an inspiring colleague who is willing to go out of his way to help his colleagues and students. He has been a motivating force for increasing student research for many years and has inspired and helped his colleagues to include students in their research as well … Dr. Alexei Kolesnikov is truly excellent in all aspects of faculty life …”
2023 Faculty & Staff Retirees
The college honored faculty and staff retirees:
- Dr. Cindy Ghent (Department of Biological Sciences)
- Ms. Linda Morton (Environmental Science & Studies Program)
- Dr. Thomas Krause (Department of Physics, Astronomy & Geosciences)