The Teaching Excellence Award recognizes a faculty member who has developed a well-articulated teaching philosophy through methodical examination and improvement of teaching and learning. Recipients of this award have demonstrated success in the classroom, evidenced by positive course evaluation outcomes and a sustained, documented impact on student learning both in and out of the classroom. These faculty members also excel in providing objective and constructive feedback to students and have shown unique ways of connecting students and the learning community.

The Innovation in Teaching Award honors a faculty member who has developed novel teaching practices and strategies to improve student learning in online, hybrid, or face-to-face environments. This award celebrates faculty who demonstrate creativity in using technology to enhance student learning and engagement.

This year, the awards garnered 64 nominations submitted by current students, faculty, and staff. Eleven faculty members were nominated for the Teaching Excellence Award, and six were nominated for the Innovation in Teaching Award.

The winners of the 2024 Teaching Awards are:

• Teaching Excellence Award: Alberto Caban-Martinez, Ph.D., D.O., M.P.H.
• Innovation in Teaching Award: Raymond Balise, Ph.D.

These awards reflect the department’s commitment to recognizing and promoting high standards of teaching and innovation. Congratulations to all the nominees and the award recipients for their exceptional contributions to student learning and educational excellence.

Faculty were also recognized as finalists for the Provost Awards.

Various faculty members from the Department of Public Health Sciences were recognized as finalists for these prestigious awards. Although none of the nominees ultimately won, their status as finalists underscores the excellence and impact of the department. The Provost Awards, overseen by the University of Miami's Office of the Provost, aim to formally recognize the exceptional talent and contributions of faculty members across various disciplines.

The Office of the Provost recognized and supported exceptional faculty contributions through the following programs: Provost’s Awards for Faculty Excellence and Impact, Provost’s Teaching Awards, and Provost's Research Awards.

Department of Public Health Sciences Nominees:

• Early Career Award: Sara M. St. George, Ph.D.
• Faculty Excellence and Impact: Mariano Kanamori, Ph.D., M.A.
• Collaborative Teaching:
  • Scott Brown, Ph.D., and Yue Pan, Ph.D., for their course on the built environment, developed in collaboration with the nursing and other schools.
  • Daniel Feaster, Ph.D., and Viviana Horigian, M.D., M.H.A., for the T32 Change program.

Despite not securing the awards, the department remains immensely proud of these faculty members. Their achievements reflect the high standards and commitment to excellence that define the department. Their recognition as finalists in such a competitive awards program reaffirms their commitment to advancing public health knowledge and improving community well-being through education, research, and collaboration.

The Department of Public Health Sciences extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the honorees and nominees for their dedicated service and contributions. Their commitment and passion continue to shape the university's legacy of excellence, and their recognition in these prestigious awards programs highlights the profound impact they have on the field of public health.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on June 25, 2024.