More than 300 faculty and staff members, administrators, and their families came together last week (April 23, 2025 program) to celebrate excellence in teaching, mentoring, and research across the University of Miami at the Provost’s Awards Ceremony in the largest celebration yet, organizers said. The annual event recognizes outstanding faculty members who are supporting students or conducting innovative research across the University’s 11 schools and colleges.

“This ceremony honors the incredible breadth of contributions our faculty make—through groundbreaking research, transformative teaching, and unwavering service to the University and wider community,” said Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. “Their work not only elevates our institution but also touches lives far beyond the classroom. I am humbled to be part of such an impactful community of scholars.”

Presenters

Kathi Kern (Senior Vice Provost for Education, pictured at left), along with Maria Alcaide (Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship); Maria Galli Stampino (Dean of Undergraduate Affairs); Alexandra C.C. Wilson (Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs); Miriam Lipsky [Director of the University’s Platform for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (PETAL)]; Vassiliki Kourafalou (Professor of Ocean Sciences); and Nichole Crenshaw (Associate Provost and Associate Professor of Clinical) all presented the awards, recognizing the finalists before naming the winners.

“One of the joys of this process was the opportunity to learn more about the transformative pedagogical work taking place on our three campuses,” said Kern, who led a committee of past winners and faculty representatives that read all the applications and selected the winners. “Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we strive for at UM: to inspire, challenge, and guide our students to become the most capacious versions of themselves.”

In all, 21 awards were presented, ranging from teaching-specific awards to funding that will support new avenues of research.

Collaborative Teaching Award

The Provost’s Teaching Awards included a Collaborative Teaching award for Thomas Merrick, IDSC Sr. Project Manager of XR Initiatives at the School of Communication’s Department of Interactive Media who was part of a group that created a course for students in the Miller School of Medicine called “AI in Healthcare,” which earned national recognition. This Collaborative Teaching  award recognized the work of Gauri Agarwal, associate professor of clinical medicine at the Miller School of Medicine, along with Lokesh Ramamoorthi, Tola Porter, Yatil Etherly, Greta Mitzova-Vladinov, Neva Kirk-Sanchez, Cynthia Foronda, and Tom Merrick.

“This visionary team brought together experts from medicine, nursing, engineering, art, and data science to create a first-of-its-kind curriculum exploring the intersection of AI, health care, and the humanities,” Kathi Kern said. “Their collaborative teaching has sparked critical reflection, creative thinking, and compassionate dialogue—equipping future health care professionals to use AI ethically and empathetically.”

(The group is pictured at top. From left to right: Neva Kirk-Sanchez, Thomas Merrick, Lokesh Ramamoorthi,, Gauri Agarwal, Tola Porter, Yatil Etherly, Greta Mitzova-Vladinov, and Cynthia Foronda.)

About Thomas Merrick

Other Awards

Clinical Teaching

• Matthew Schlumbrecht, professor of gynecologic oncology, Miller School of Medicine

“Dr. Schlumbrecht has revolutionized cancer care education by designing a curriculum that teaches future physicians how to support patients’ quality of life using real-world data and patient-centered care models,” Kern said.

Innovation in Teaching

• Richard Riley, professor of microbiology and immunology, Miller School of Medicine

“Dr. Riley led the groundbreaking effort to embed foundational sciences into the clinical years of medical training, which is a radical shift from the traditional model,” Kern said. “His collaborative, student-centered innovations resulted in enhanced learning outcomes and one of the most forward-thinking medical curricula in the country.”

Discussion-based Learning

• Stephen Zdzinski, professor, Frost School of Music

“Zdzinski transformed his Music for Special Learners course into a powerful, discussion-based learning experience that not only equips future educators to support diverse learners but inspires them to be better humans, too,” Stampino said. “He didn’t just flip his classroom; he flipped the script on what meaningful teacher preparation for special learners can be.”

Excellence in Experiential Teaching

• Kele Stewart, professor, School of Law

“Stewart has transformed legal education by turning her Children and Youth Law Clinic into a living classroom where students handle cases, advocate in court, and engage in systemic reform on behalf of children in foster care,” Kern said. “Her approach empowers them to grow as confident, capable, and compassionate advocates.”

• Greta Mitzova-Vladinov, associate professor of clinical, School of Nursing and Health Studies

“Vladinov is a powerhouse of experiential learning—immersing students in realistic clinical scenarios, cutting-edge simulations, and virtual reality environments that prepare them to lead with confidence and compassion,” Kern said. “Her work has transformed nurse anesthesia education at UM—expanding clinical sites, personalizing student experiences, and building a curriculum where hands-on learning drives real-world readiness.”

Luis Glaser Mentorship Award

• Mark Shapiro, professor of business law and associate dean of undergraduate career advancement, Miami Herbert Business School

“His student nominator shared: ‘Last week, I accepted an internship offer with a company I never thought I’d be ready for, and I credit so much of that to Professor Shapiro’s guidance,’” Lipsky said. “This isn’t just my story, either—it’s the story of hundreds of students who Shapiro mentors every year. Whether it’s helping students find their confidence, navigate unfamiliar systems [especially for first-generation students like me], or connect with opportunities—he’s always there.’”

Luis Glaser Graduate Mentorship Award

• Amanda Jensen-Doss, professor and director of clinical training in psychology, College of Arts and Sciences

“With unmatched dedication, Jensen-Doss mentors students into scholars, leaders, and advocates for change,” Lipsky said. “She teaches them how to think critically, care deeply, and serve the field of clinical psychology with integrity. Her students credit her mentorship as the foundation of their success—and the reason they are confident they will thrive long after their time at UM.”

• Mariano Kanamori, associate professor of public health sciences, Miller School of Medicine

“Kanamori’s mentorship is more than academic—it’s deeply human, rooted in empathy, inclusion, and belief in every student’s potential,” Lipsky said. “His work has opened doors for first-generation and underrepresented students across disciplines and around the world. And because of him, public health has new leaders, new voices, and a more equitable future.”

The Faculty Excellence and Impact Awards included:

Distinguished University Citizen

• Daniel Pals, professor and interim chair of religious studies, College of Arts and Sciences.

“Few people in our community match the level of service Pals has provided to our University,” Kourafalou said. “Besides being chair of his own department and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dan has assumed a chair position seven times. As his nominator very simply put it, he makes a department better.”

James M. Tien Early Career Award

• Prannoy Suraneni, associate professor, College of Engineering

“Suraneni’s research at the intersection of chemistry and civil engineering has transformed how we evaluate and optimize low-carbon concrete,” said Wilson. “With over 100 peer-reviewed papers, national and international honors, and significant grant funding, he is also a leader in building coastal resilience … and his collaborative spirit has made a deep impact on our institution.”

Inclusive Excellence

• Nanette Vega, assistant dean for medical education, as well as belonging and inclusive excellence, Miller School of Medicine

“Vega has redefined what inclusive excellence looks like at the University of Miami,” Wilson said. “From founding the Office of Belonging and Inclusive Excellence at Miller to leading nationally recognized programs for underrepresented students, her work touches every corner of campus—and beyond. Her legacy is one of transformation, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to building a culture where everyone belongs.”

Lifetime Achievement

• Teresa Scandura, professor of management, Miami Herbert Business School

“For over three decades, Dr. Terri Scandura has redefined leadership scholarship, especially in the areas of mentoring and organizational behavior,” Wilson said. “As one of the top-cited scientists in her field and a champion of doctoral mentorship, her influence spans continents and careers. Notably, she was the first woman to hold an endowed chair at the Miami Herbert Business School.”

Outstanding Achievement in Research and Scholarship

• Roberta Lassance-Soares, professor of vascular and endovascular surgery, Miller School of Medicine

“Dr. Lassance-Soares is a trailblazer who is being specifically celebrated for her recent discovery on monocyte lipid metabolism. This pioneering discovery has opened new frontiers in the treatment of limb ischemia—a major cause of limb loss,” Wilson said. “Her research, featured in a leading medical journal and supported by a top-scoring NIH grant, holds transformative potential for vascular medicine—and as one reviewer put it simply, ‘she will save a lot of limbs.’”

Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, Music, and Creative Work

• Kei Miller, professor, College of Arts and Sciences

“In his book, “Things I Have Withheld,” he crafted a breathtaking collection of essays that confront the silences surrounding race, identity, and belonging,” said Wilson. “His work has elevated the global conversation on life, history, and identity.”

Finally, the Provost’s Research Awards are designed to support excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University of Miami. They provide salary support and direct research costs to faculty developing new areas of inquiry or elevating ongoing research, scholarly, and creative activities.

This year, 34 proposals received awards from seven schools and colleges. The top winners were:

• Thomas Matusiak, assistant professor of modern languages and literatures, College of Arts and Sciences
• Michael Touchton, associate professor of political science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Bridget Chrstine Arce, associate professor of modern languages and literatures, College of Arts and Sciences
• Laura Gómez-Mera, associate professor of political science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Robyn Walsh, associate professor of religious studies, College of Arts and Sciences
• Kiara Timpano and Aaron Heller, professors of psychology, College of Arts and Sciences

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SOURCE: NEWS@TheU Story | April 28, 2025 (Photos by Joshua Prezant)