Awards Include UH's Highest Faculty Honor - the Esther Farfel Award - and Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Research

Congratulations to the six College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics faculty members recognized for excellence in teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and research. These exceptional faculty members were honored at the 2023 Faculty Excellence Awards celebration on May 3.

The awards are among the highest honors bestowed by the University of Houston.

“Our students benefit greatly from the exemplary teaching, mentoring and research efforts of these faculty members. Congratulations to all our award recipients,” said Dan E. Wells, NSM dean.

Stuart Dryer - Esther Farfel Award

Stuart Dryer, Moores Professor in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry, received the Esther Farfel Award, the highest honor accorded to a University faculty member. The award is a symbol of overall career excellence. Recipients are chosen for the significance and national/international impact of their research or creative activity, outstanding teaching ability, and distinctive and exemplary service to the University, the profession, and the community. The award carries a cash prize of $10,000.

Teaching Excellence Awards

Teaching Excellence – Provost’s Core

Jenifer Gifford, Biology & Biochemistry
This award is given to faculty who have demonstrated outstanding teaching in undergraduate core curriculum courses.

Teaching Excellence – Instructor/Clinical

Lisa Farmer, Biology & Biochemistry
This award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching by faculty instructors, clinical faculty, research faculty, artist affiliates, and lecturers.

Awards for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity

Research Excellence – Professor

Maxim Olshanskii, Mathematics
This award recognizes faculty who have a substantial continuing record of outstanding research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Research Excellence – Associate Professor

Thomas Teets, Chemistry
This award recognizes faculty who have established a growing record of outstanding research, scholarship, and creative contributions, and who are emerging leaders in their field.

Research Excellence – Assistant Professor

Andreas Mang, Mathematics
This award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated great potential in research, scholarship, and creative endeavors by virtue of the exceptional quality of their early contributions.

- Kathy Major, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics