Colorado State University’s College of Natural Sciences Names Two Professor Laureates and Honors Five for Exceptional Teaching

Colorado State University’s College of Natural Sciences has announced its 2008 Professor Laureates, as well as the recipients of the 2008 Teaching and Mentoring Awards:

—Michael F. Antolin, professor of biology, Excellence in Graduate Education and Mentoring

—Norman P. Curthoys, professor of biochemistry, Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

—Ellen R. Fisher, professor of chemistry, 2008 Professor Laureate

—Gregory L. Florant, professor of biology, Excellence in Mentoring and Undergraduate Research

—Adele E. Howe, professor of computer science, Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

—Alan K. Knapp, professor of biology, 2008 Professor Laureate

—Tenaya L. Newkirk, graduate student in chemistry, Graduate Student Teaching Award

The outstanding teaching awards were established in 1995 to recognize efforts to help students realize their full learning potential; to encourage students to set high standards for scholarship, integrity, and independence; and to be receptive to students’ concerns.

The distinction of Professor Laureate is the highest academic title awarded by the College and is intended to recognize faculty who have made outstanding contributions to its mission, including work in the areas of research, teaching, mentoring, and outreach. The honor also serves to show appreciation for their current accomplishments and to encourage future achievements by providing them with an honorarium as well as additional support for student research during each year of their three-year appointment.  

"I am deeply honored to be named a Professor Laureate in the College of Natural Sciences and humbled to join the talented faculty members who have received this distinction," said Fisher. "I plan to use the extra funding to support two undergraduates students in my lab. One, a sophomore, is working on developing composite nanoparticles and the other, a freshman, is working on improving solar cell materials."

During the first year of their appointments, each laureate will deliver a college-wide address on a subject of his or her choosing. Fisher’s lecture, entitled "Gremlins, Monsters, and Vegetable Soup: Three Keys to Understanding the Materials Chemistry of Plasmas," is from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 in Engineering 120. A reception follows at 5:30 p.m. in the Longs Peak Room in the Lory Student Center. Attendees will be able to meet the 2008 Professor Laureates and the 2008 College of Natural Science Teaching Award Winners.  

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