Rossin Awards

Srinivas Rangarajan & Alparslan Oztekin: Interdisciplinary Research Excellence Award (Faculty)

This award recognizes a collaborative Rossin College faculty member who has reached beyond their discipline to develop significant research opportunities and partnerships while maximizing the impact of current research at Lehigh. Deserving nominees may be active within Lehigh’s Interdisciplinary Research Institutes, serve as mentors in cross-disciplinary projects initiated through Lehigh’s Office of Creative Inquiry, or participate in research collaborations (among Lehigh’s five colleges or with outside institutions) that bridge STEM and social science fields.

Yevgeny Berdichevsky & Masashi Watanabe: Excellence in Research Scholarship and Leadership (Faculty)

This award recognizes a Rossin College faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship (through publications, patents, etc.) and is considered to be a prominent research leader in their field, thus bringing recognition to Lehigh.

Lori Herz: Richard P. Vinci Award for Educational Excellence (Faculty)

This award memorializes Lehigh University materials science and engineering Professor Rick Vinci, a brilliant scholar and charismatic teacher beloved by his students and colleagues. Professor Vinci’s life was cut short by ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease), but his contributions to our learning environment endure. This award recognizes a faculty member who perpetuates Professor Vinci’s legacy through an exceptional commitment to teaching. Deserving nominees are faculty members who enhance the student learning experience through creative and innovative methods of instruction and extend their efforts beyond the classroom to ensure student success. 

Ricardo H.R. Castro: Experiential Learning Excellence (Faculty)

This award recognizes a Rossin College faculty member who champions experiential learning activities, whether through innovative class projects, serving as a club/team mentor, or engaging undergraduate students in research. Deserving nominees encourage students to discover their passions and connect what they learn to real-world applications. These faculty members invest energy in developing hands-on projects that spur creativity and innovative thinking and help students develop a deeper understanding of open-ended, real-world problem-solving.

Fadi Abdeljawad: Outstanding Doctoral Student Advising Award (Faculty)

This award recognizes a Rossin College faculty member who demonstrates tireless commitment to engineering education at the doctoral level. Deserving nominees provide excellent support and mentorship to their advisees throughout all stages of the PhD journey—from identifying and focusing a research topic to finalizing the dissertation. They foster a collaborative environment for research and scholarship, and serve as professional role models. Current doctoral students are strongly encouraged to submit nominations for this award when their advisors are doing an exceptional job.

Mark A. Snyder: Service and Stewardship Award (Faculty)

This award recognizes a Rossin College faculty member who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the common good, contributing their time and effort to strengthen the department/unit, the Rossin college, and Lehigh University—regardless of personal benefit. Deserving nominees go above and beyond in service, taking on responsibilities that enhance the institution, support colleagues and students, and foster progress. Whether through committee work, stepping into new roles and responsibilities, or other acts of dedication, they embody a spirit of generosity and a deep commitment to the success of the broader academic community.

Arindam Banerjee: Peer Mentoring Award (Faculty)

This award recognizes a senior member of the Rossin College faculty who fosters a vibrant and supportive culture within the college that enables faculty to reach their highest potential. Deserving nominees make a difference through formal activities, such as leading team research, participating in faculty recruiting, or reviewing proposals. Their day-to-day interactions and willingness to offer advice, expertise, and other resources on an informal basis are integral to the growth and retention of talented early-career faculty members at Lehigh.

Steven McIntosh: Community Builder Award (Faculty)

William Cody Turner & Ryan Thorpe: Experiential Learning Excellence Award (Staff)

This award recognizes a Rossin College staff member who positively contributes to the college’s experiential learning initiatives. Deserving nominees lead initiatives to create new experiences for students, provide behind-the-scenes support for faculty-led projects, or engage directly with students through hands-on classes, capstone projects, clubs, and other activities that enhance the learning process.

Linda A. Hamel: Excellence in Undergraduate Student Support (staff)

This award recognizes a Rossin College staff member who is committed to providing outstanding support and guidance to our undergraduate students. Deserving nominees create a positive, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking assistance with academic and non-academic issues.

Rebekah Short: Excellence in Graduate Student Support (staff)

This award recognizes a Rossin College staff member who provides outstanding support and guidance to our graduate students. Deserving nominees create a positive, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking assistance with academic and non-academic issues. 

Michelle Sheehan: Citizenship Award (staff)

This award recognizes an exceptional Rossin College staff member who goes above and beyond the call of duty in their daily work and activities, serving as an example of dedication and excellence in upholding the college’s mission and supporting its various initiatives.

Laura Moyer: Community Builder Award (staff)

This award recognizes a Rossin College staff member who actively supports a strong and connected community within the college and their department/unit. Deserving nominees bring people together, facilitate meaningful community engagement opportunities, provide support to Rossin community members, and create a welcoming environment. Nominees help shape a vibrant and engaged workplace where colleagues and students can thrive.