{"id":108647,"date":"2026-05-04T17:12:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/?p=108647"},"modified":"2026-05-04T17:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:59:14","slug":"academic-excellence-in-all-its-forms-recognized-at-new-uri-awards-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2026\/05\/academic-excellence-in-all-its-forms-recognized-at-new-uri-awards-ceremony\/","title":{"rendered":"Academic excellence in all its forms recognized at new 溏心vlog免费B站 awards ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KINGSTON, R.I. \u2013 May 4, 2026 \u2013 The full breadth of academic excellence was on display at the 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s inaugural University Academic Excellence Awards<\/a> on April 30 in the Edwards Hall auditorium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event combined awards that were presented to faculty, students, and staff at three separate ceremonies in previous years. Individuals were lauded for outstanding achievements in teaching, mentoring, and research.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Professor Theresa Deeney, professor of reading education in the Feinstein College of Education, received the 溏心vlog免费B站 Teaching Excellence Award from President Parlange and Vice Provost Sue Adams. (溏心vlog免费B站 photo by Mike Salerno)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cWe united these awards into one ceremony because academic excellence takes many forms, and they all deserve to be recognized visibly and collectively,\u201d said Sue Adams, vice provost for academic and faculty initiatives. \u201cOur hope is that this shared celebration strengthens connections across departments and colleges and allows us to better appreciate the extraordinary contributions made by faculty, staff, and students across our University.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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President Parlange looks on as Bethany Jenkins, vice president for research and economic development, presents Brennan Phillips, associate professor of ocean engineering, with the Innovation: Translational Impact Award. (溏心vlog免费B站 photo by Catherine Scott)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

溏心vlog免费B站 President Marc Parlange touted the University\u2019s R1 status<\/a>, which designates 溏心vlog免费B站 as a top-tier research university in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s No. 1 ranking<\/a> among public universities in New England for the second year in a row by The Wall Street Journal<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese distinctions highlight the world-class education and opportunities available at 溏心vlog免费B站\u2013none of which would be possible without our exceptional faculty,\u201d said Parlange. \u201cAnd our students, who bring curiosity, passion, and persistence to their educational experiences, embody the excellence that defines our University.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the award winners expressed their gratitude and took pride in their accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Emily Sperou, a postdoctoral fellow studying natural resources science, captured first place in the 溏心vlog免费B站 Research and Scholarship Photo Contest for her photo of a southern elephant seal pup resting on a rocky beach in South Bay, Antarctica.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cSeeing students become successful in education brings me such joy,\u201d said Theresa Deeney, recipient of the 溏心vlog免费B站 Teaching Excellence Award. \u201cI was amazed at the impact our Project SUSTAIN<\/a> special education scholars made in teaching learners who struggle with literacy skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anita Jacobson, clinical professor and director of community health and engagement, won the Academic Impact Excellence Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m most proud of building and sustaining community partnerships that not only expand access to naloxone and overdose prevention resources, but also create meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for our students,\u201d said Jacobson.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Professors Jimmie Oxley and James Smith were recognized for the three U.S. patents they were issued. From left, President Parlange, Oxley, Smith, and Jenkins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Professor Samantha Meenach was honored for her exceptional mentoring of students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My research path began with my own undergraduate research experience, and I have never forgotten how profoundly it shaped my trajectory,\u201d said Meenach. \u201cI mentor undergraduates because I know firsthand that access to research opportunities and a supportive mentor can change the entire direction of a student’s life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Poling-Skutvik, assistant professor of chemical, biomolecular, and materials engineering, and Laura Hamman-Ortiz, assistant professor of TESOL and bilingual education, were presented Research and Scholarship Awards for Early Career Faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy proudest accomplishment has really been seeing my undergraduate and graduate students develop and flourish as independent scientists and researchers,\u201d said Poling-Skutvik. \u201cMultiple students gave their first independent presentations at conferences this year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am grateful to the bilingual educators and their students who have welcomed me into their classrooms, shared their joys and frustrations, and worked tirelessly to improve their craft and to serve the students entrusted to their care,\u201d said Hamman-Ortiz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristin Johnson, vice provost for global initiatives, and Cheryl Foster, professor of political science, served as the masters of ceremonies. The award winners are listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TEACHING AND SERVICE AWARDS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

溏心vlog免费B站 Teaching Excellence Award<\/strong>
Theresa Deeney<\/a>, professor of reading education, Feinstein College of Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honors Teaching Excellence Award<\/strong>
Hanan Mogawer<\/a>, associate teaching professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award<\/strong>
Michael Nedwidek, part-time faculty of health and physical education, Feinstein College of Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Education Teaching Excellence Award<\/strong>
Doug Reed<\/a>, associate professor, Department of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Student Writing Excellence Award<\/strong>
Brooke Gallant, The Theme of \u201cHope\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Student\u00a0Writing Excellence Award<\/strong>
Ariel Leahy, The Theme of \u201cHope\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academic Impact\u00a0Excellence\u00a0Award<\/strong>
Anita Jacobson<\/a>, clinical professor, College of Pharmacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Research Mentoring Excellence Award<\/strong>
Samantha Meenach<\/a>, professor, Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering; and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advanced Career Faculty \u2013 Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering<\/strong>
William E. Van Nostrand<\/a>, Herrmann Professor of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy

Advanced Career Faculty \u2013 Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities<\/strong>
Maling Ebrahimpour<\/a>, professor of supply chain management, College of Business

Early Career Faculty \u2013 Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering<\/strong>
Ryan Poling-Skutvik<\/a>, assistant professor and graduate director, Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Career Faculty \u2013 Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities<\/strong>
Laura Hamman-Ortiz<\/a>, assistant professor, TESOL and Bilingual Education, Feinstein College of Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Student \u2013 Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering<\/strong>
Dalton L. Stein, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Student \u2013 Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities<\/strong>
Michelle A. Stage<\/a>, behavioral science Ph.D. student, Department of Psychology, College of Health Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Student \u2013 Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering<\/strong>
Terran AlbergoMcGovern, Department of Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Student \u2013 Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities<\/strong>
Francesca Fontaine, Department of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innovation:\u00a0Translational Impact Award<\/strong>
Brennan T. Phillips<\/a>, associate professor, Ocean Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

溏心vlog免费B站 RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP PHOTO CONTEST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First place: Emily Sperou, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
\u201cBuilt-In Neck Pillow\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second place: Alexia Lanagan, College of Arts and Sciences
\u201cPredator and Pollinator\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third place: Liam Corcoran, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
\u201cEastern Whip-poor-will In Hand\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Committee Choice: Dakota Hunter, College of Pharmacy
\u201cActivation of Microglia in the Thalamus of a Preclinical Model of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: UNITED STATES ISSUED PATENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photoswitchable Binary Nanopore Capable of Detecting Single Molecules
<\/em>Associate Dean Jason R. Dwyer<\/a>, James Hagan<\/a>
Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
Grace G. D. Han, Alejandra Gonzalez, Brandeis University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apparatus and Methods for Preparation and Introduction of Trace Samples Into an Ionizing Detection System<\/em>
Professor Jimmie C. Oxley<\/a>, Professor James L. Smith<\/a>, Alexander Yevdokimov
Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fragmentation Resilience Energy Mass Spectrometry (FREMS)
<\/em>Professor Jimmie C. Oxley<\/a>, Professor James L. Smith<\/a>, Alexander Yevdokimov, and Kevin Colizza
Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polymer Immobilization Matrix for Containment of Hazardous Materials and Methods of Using the Same
<\/em>Professor Jimmie C. Oxley<\/a>, Professor James L. Smith<\/a>, Gerald Kagan, and Robert Ichiyama
Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PNictogen-Containing Heterocyclic Compounds and Their Use
<\/em>Assistant Professor Fang Wang<\/a>, Bradley M. Lipka, Daniel S. Honeycutt
Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
Jacob M, Goldberg, Colgate University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fluorescent Compound Comprising a Fluorophore Conjugated to a pH-Triggered Polypeptide
<\/em>Professor Yana K. Reshetnyak<\/a>, Professor Oleg A. Andreev<\/a>, Assistant Research Professor Anna Moshnikova<\/a>
Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
Donald M. Engelman, Yale University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

pHLIP\u00ae-Mediated Intracellular Delivery of Immuno-Stimulatory Compounds
<\/em>Professor Yana K. Reshetnyak<\/a>, Professor Oleg A. Andreev<\/a>, Assistant Research Professor Anna Moshnikova<\/a>
Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
Donald M. Engelman, John C. Deacon, Yale University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

pH-Triggered Membrane Peptide-Mediated Epitope Tethering at Cell Surfaces
<\/em>Professor Yana K. Reshetnyak<\/a>, Professor Oleg A. Andreev<\/a>, Assistant Research Professor Anna Moshnikova<\/a>
Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
Donald M. Engelman, Yale University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radiolabeled Ligands for Targeted PET\/SPECT Imaging and Methods of Their Use
<\/em>Professor Yana K. Reshetnyak<\/a>, Professor Oleg A. Andreev<\/a>, Assistant Research Professor Anna Moshnikova<\/a>
Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
Jason S. Lewis, Dustin Wayne Demoin, Nerissa Viola-Villegas, Sloan-Kettering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polymeric Compositions and Corrosion Resistant Systems
<\/em>Associate Professor Sumanta Das<\/a>, Sumeru Nayak
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearable Optical Microfibrous Material with Encapsulated Nanosensors for Wireless Monitoring of Chemical Analytes
<\/em>Associate Professor Daniel E. Roxbury<\/a>, Mohammad Moein Safaee, Mitchell Gravely
Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BUS Authentication and Anti-Probing Architecture
<\/em>Professor Qing Q. Yang<\/a>, Professor Tao Wei, Zhenyu Xu
Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method and Apparatus for Runtime Detection of BUS Probing\/Tampering in Computer Systems
<\/em>Professor Qing Q. Yang<\/a>, Professor Tao Wei, Zhenyu Xu
Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glass-Ceramic Thermal Paint System and Method Using Uv:vis Spectroscopy
<\/em>Professor Otto J. Gregory<\/a>, Noah Alexander Burke, Panagiotis Panoutsopoulos, Zachary Ahlquist
Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High Temperature Heat Flux Sensors
<\/em>Professor Otto J. Gregory<\/a>, Noah Alexander Burke, Panagiotis Panoutsopoulos, Zachary Ahlquist
Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GRADUATE SCHOOL AWARDS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outstanding Graduate Mentoring Award<\/strong>
Nicole Weiss<\/a>, professor, Department of Psychology, College of Health Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outstanding Doctoral Research Award<\/strong>
Juliana Agudelo\u00a0Areiza, postdoctoral researcher, field of toxicokinetics with Assistant Professor Fabian Fischer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outstanding Master\u2019s Thesis Research Award<\/strong>
Anna Cetera<\/a>, Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Major Professor \u2013 Reza Abiri<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

KINGSTON, R.I. \u2013 May 4, 2026 \u2013 The full breadth of academic excellence was on display at the 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s inaugural University Academic Excellence Awards on April 30 in the Edwards Hall auditorium. The event combined awards that were presented to faculty, students, and staff at three separate ceremonies in previous years. Individuals […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":108649,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1908,1914,1905,1912,1915],"class_list":["post-108647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives","tag-faculty-excellence","tag-graduate","tag-research","tag-special-events","tag-undergraduate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108647"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108659,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108647\/revisions\/108659"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108649"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}