School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching AwardsDean Alan M. Kelly began the ceremonies with the presentation of the Dean's Award for Leadership in Clinical Science Education to Dr. Michaela Kristula, assistant professor of medicine at New Bolton Center. Dr. Michael Atchison, professor of biochemistry, received the Dean's Award in Basic Science Education. These awards honor one faculty member from the clinical departments and one from the basic science departments who have made outstanding contributions to teaching in their disciplines. Dr. Debra Baird, assistant professor of radiology, received the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award established in 1963 "to recognize outstanding teachers who, through their ability, dedication, character and leadership, contribute significantly to the advancement of the profession." The four classes then honored the faculty members they considered to be outstanding teachers. The Class of 2001 presented its award to Dr. Cynthia Ward, assistant professor of medicine, and Dr. Billy Smith, assistant professor of field service. Dr. David Holt, associate professor of surgery, and Dr. Debra Baird, assistant professor of radiology, were honored by the Class of 2002. Dr. Linden Craig, assistant professor of pathology, received the Class of 2003 Award. The Class of 2004 honored Dr. Paul Orsini, assistant professor of anatomy. During the School's Alumni Day celebrations on May 20 at New Bolton Center, the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society presented the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award to Dr. Michael Goldschmidt, professor of pathology. This annual award is presented by the VMAS to an educator recommended by recent graduates. Heuer Professor: Dr. GorteDr. Raymond J. Gorte is the new Russell Pearce and Elizabeth Crimian Heuer Professor of Chemical Engineering. He has been a faculty member of the School of Engineering for 20 years, during which he served the Chemical Engineering Department in many capacities, including that of Department Chair. Dr. Gorte's research in solid-oxide fuel cell technology has received wide-spread attention and has been instrumental in increasing the understanding of surface reactions that have led to important applications in industrial practice. He is well known for the development of novel experimental techniques in the field of kinetics and catalysis. Dr. Gorte is the recipient of a number of catalysis awards, including the 1999 Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis of the North American Catalysis Society. Dr. Gorte is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1976, and of the University of Minnesota, where he received his Ph.D. in 1981. The Heuer Professorship was established through a contribution from the Russell Pearce and Elizabeth Crimian Heuer Foundation in support of science education. "Ray is an excellent choice for the Heuer Chair. He is an outstanding educator and mentor of graduate and undergraduate students, both in and outside the classroom. Undergraduates continually seek the opportunity to work with him in his laboratory," said Dean Eduardo Glandt. "His research represents the best in engineering science and has brought significant distinction to Penn."
Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 35, May 29, 2001 |