AUM recognizes Distinguished Research and Teaching Professors

Chancellor John Veres presents Dr. Ben Okeke with the Distinguished Research Professor Award.

Dr. Ben Okeke, associate professor of Biology, was named Distinguished Research Professor on Feb. 26. This award recognizes individuals who have established ongoing research programs of distinction.

Okeke's research interests include: alternative fuel, biosensors, indicators of microbiological safety of water and food, bioremediation, microbial enzymes and genetic engineering. He teaches Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, General Microbiology and Principles of Biology.

The award bears an annual stipend of $2,500 for a three-year term. This award is also intended to recognize career accomplishments. Consequently, a curriculum vitae and selected evidence (three to five examples on one's research, including books, monographs, awards for refereed or juried work, grants contracts and the like) that supports a productive research career serve as criteria.

Chancellor John Veres presents Dr. Erin Reilly with the Distinguished Teaching Professor Award.

Dr. Erin Reilly, associate professor of Physical Education, was named Distinguished Teaching Professor on Feb. 26. This award recognizes career accomplishments with evidence that supports a productive teaching career often includes successful innovations such as technology in the classroom, student research, publications or the development of new courses.

Reilly’s primary research areas are in physical education pedagogy, and sport sociology and she is an expert in martial arts and self defense. Reilly teaches courses in Physical Education Methods and Techniques, Sport Sociology, Sport Psychology, Wellness and Marital Arts.

Librarians may be nominated on the basis of their contributions to the University-wide improvement of teaching. Recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award, acting as a group, to conduct workshops or seminars at least once a semester on some aspects of the improvement of teaching effectiveness and to serve as mentors to the faculty, especially those who are new in the profession.

Mar. 1, 2010