UNH Today

Every year, a chosen few of UNH’s outstanding faculty members from each college and school receive Faculty Excellence Awards in recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship and service. University-wide awards recognize public service, research, teaching and engagement. The 2024 award recipients include:

Benjamin Chandran, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, CEPS

Benjamin Chandran, fellow of the American Physical Society, is a world-renowned scholar with expertise in theoretical plasma physics and astrophysics. In simple terms, he uses complex mathematics and fundamental principles to understand the nature of the sun and how it influences space and our solar system. This more recent area of study is also known as heliophysics, a strength in our research portfolio at UNH, thanks to individuals like Chandran. He shares his time between the department of physics and astronomy and the Institute for Earth Oceans and Space. 

Chandran strives to create an interactive classroom environment through the use of clickers and collaborative problem solving, allowing space for student engagement. He is frequently impressed by the courage and the curiosity of his students when they speak up and ask questions during class. He has turned lackluster office hours into group help sessions that are both popular and effective. All the while, Chandran has maintained quality standards. One student stated, “His expectations of students are high; I feel challenged to put forward my best work in the class and learn material as thoroughly as possible.”  

Chandran has been recognized as an excellent teacher repeatedly during his tenure at UNH. He especially enjoys teaching large introductory physics courses. Despite the refrains that teaching and learning are significantly changed post COVID, the feedback from students about his courses is steadfast. Students highlight his contagious passion for physics and his ability to explain difficult concepts. “Best professor I have had so far. He is very enthusiastic with the way he teaches and can keep the entire lecture engaged.”  

 Chandran consistently provides a high quality and engaging educational experience for our students. These are the types of experiences that transform the lives of our students and distinguish our university from other institutions.

Stephen Ciccone, 2024 Outstanding Associate Professor Award, Paul College

Ciccone has taught extensively in undergraduate and graduate programs, driven innovations in course offerings and pedagogical practices and been awarded two highly competitive Excellence in Teaching awards – one by the National Society of Leadership & Success and the other by Paul College. He is a pioneer in leading experiential learning efforts as a co-founder and long-term advisor to the Atkins Investment Group, a student-managed investment fund with a total market value around a half-million dollars. Ciccone is also an accomplished researcher. He has published 22 high-quality journal articles and book chapters, providing profound scholarly impact in two major finance research fields: corporate finance and investments analysis. His work has been featured in major news outlets such as the New York Times and Washington Post, reaching the entire business world and a broader audience. 

Ciccone is a visionary and influential leader with a proven record of establishing clear goals, leading strategic planning and implementation and equipping and empowering team members to turn a vision into reality. From 2013 to 2022, during his nine-year tenure as the accounting and finance department chairperson, the department experienced exceptional growth and development in curricular and programmatic initiatives, including the launch of the STEM-designated Master of Science in Finance (STEM) program. 

Ciccone is an exemplary associate professor whose impact on UNH and the university community is tremendous.

Andrew Conroy ’86 ’01G, 2024 Excellence in International Engagement Award, COLSA

Andrew Conroy demonstrates an intentional and long-standing commitment to international engagement. Because of his core belief in the value of international experiences, he has worked tirelessly to provide and promote international education opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Conroy is recognized internationally as an expert in oxen as draft animals, a field with tremendous relevance and economic importance throughout much of the world. While his own scholarship has explored the use of draft animals in communities in Tanzania, Namibia and Rwanda, his successes in international engagement are numerous and multidimensional. 

Conroy has established and sustained collaborative international research partnerships and has taught several classes in Namibia and Rwanda. His service also includes delivering presentations and demonstrations worldwide and serving on international boards and task forces. Most importantly, he integrates global perspectives within the many courses he teaches at UNH, greatly enriching our students’ experiences. He recently established a study abroad program in Namibia and has mentored many students who have undertaken independent studies, research or capstone projects that feature international travel and global perspectives.

Conroy’s dedication to and passion for international engagement is clear to all who know him, and to the students who have the privilege of studying with him. For nearly three decades, he has engaged with and learned from communities throughout the globe, bringing international perspectives to our UNH students and supporting students as they pursue international opportunities.

Madhavi Devasher, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, COLA

Madhavi Devasher, assistant professor of political science and international affairs, is an expert on South Asia and racial and ethnic politics; her book, Crossing Lines: Cross-Ethnic Coalitions in India and Prospects for Minority Representation, was published earlier this year. Devasher’s courses are essential and popular components of the department’s undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Indeed, they are critical to UNH, as they are the only courses that tackle international development, security and sustainability in the context of South Asia. 

Enthusiastic and engaging, Devasher ensures that students learn about global and regional issues while also being challenged to think critically and carefully. Students read substantive scholarly articles and books and as conveyed in their evaluations, they develop and strengthen their analytical and research skills. Her teaching combines rigor, passion and substantive expertise matched by a supportive learning environment. Thus, one student noted, “... I made attending class a top priority because Professor Devasher is extremely skilled at taking really difficult concepts and making them easier to understand.” 

Students appreciate learning a significant amount of important knowledge about unfamiliar people and places while also being challenged to think about U.S. foreign policy in different, and often more critical, ways. One former student, a Marshall award winner, remarked that in the introductory Polt 403 class, “I soon discovered my passion for international relations and political science through Dr. Devasher’s transformative instruction.” Devasher’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and global awareness in her students not only transforms their understanding of the world, but also empowers them to engage thoughtfully with complex international issues.

Megan Enos-Fournier, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, COLSA

Exceptional lecturer. Genuinely caring. Knowledgeable. Engaged. Tireless. These are just a few examples of the enthusiastic descriptors Megan Enos-Fournier’s students and colleagues use to describe her effectiveness in and out of the classroom. A senior lecturer in the department of molecular, cellular and biomedical sciences, Enos-Fournier is a well-respected and dedicated educator whose impact is felt throughout the college. From biology to virology, foundational to upper-level, she has a significant impact teaching hundreds of students each semester and somehow manages to connect with and encourage them on a personal level.

Since joining the faculty in 2019, she has served as a role model to her colleagues, especially during the different phases of the pandemic, as she confidently and effectively adapted to various teaching modalities. In 2021, Enos-Fournier led a substantive redesign of the first-year biology course to incorporate a peer-led, team-learning component. Her students report the pedagogical shift in the course structure provides deeper understanding of material, opportunities to develop leadership skills and overall greater confidence in mastering challenging scientific concepts. 

The testimonials of Enos-Fournier’s students further illustrate the impact she has had on their university experience. “Standing before a class of 200 freshmen, she commands the room with the confidence seen in those who possess both talent and passion. As a student, it was immediately apparent that she was a knowledgeable and skilled lecturer. I was unaware at the time, however, that Megan would be a pillar of my academic experience at UNH,” one student wrote.

Nathan Furey, 2024 Outstanding Assistant Professor Award, COLSA

Nathan Furey advanced the field of migration biology by coining the concept of “migratory coupling,” and he further enhanced the study of trophic ecology via his quantification of extreme feeding in fishes (what we would call “binge-feeding”). Furey’s scholarship reaches and engages others in New Hampshire, the New England Region and as far as Canada and the Mediterranean.

He is an inspiring, challenging and effective teacher who offers high-quality courses and mentorship that transform students’ lives.

His colleagues at UNH and elsewhere recognize him for his service in both leadership and supporting roles where he is said to exhibit a selfless attitude and to have taken initiative on many occasions to equalize service loads of his peers and improve our policies. He delves into the root of why we need some type of service, gathers and analyzes data that can shed light on potential solutions and then he follows up after the task is completed to be sure that the task result is sustained.

The holistic sum of Furey’s teaching, research and service efforts elevates the profile of UNH and has benefitted programs in DBS, COLSA, CEPS and SMSOE.

Nicole Gercke, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, COLA

Nicole Gercke, senior lecturer in Italian studies, is a tremendously valued colleague whose excellence is felt every day. She has achieved the coveted status of being both intellectually demanding and beloved by students. Teaching language and culture courses across the undergraduate curriculum, Gercke’s extraordinary classroom presence is complemented by ambitious learning goals and assignments that are challenging, creative and give students the varied tools they need to succeed while also creating a supportive environment within which they can experiment and grow. 

Her outstanding pedagogy is not restricted to the classroom. She co-established – and co-organizes and co-hosts – the annual, week-long Cinema Ritrovato International Film Festival at UNH, whose rich trove of rediscovered films and stimulating discussion events engage a broad array of students, faculty and staff. Additionally, Gercke co-designed and leads UNH’s Bologna study abroad summer program and teaches in the J-Term Rome program. Typical of her breadth of vision, the Bologna program includes modules not only on contemporary culture but also on fascism and the Italian resistance and excursions to key massacre sites, concentration camps and memorials. Those who know Gercke are consistently in awe of her brilliant energy, knowledge, kindness and dedication to positive learning experiences for all students. As colleagues and students resoundingly testify, her teaching – in the classroom and in the exceptionally impactful experiential opportunities she curates – stands out as truly exemplary of education as active and rigorous inquiry “inspired by the audacity of imagination.”

Jan Golinski, 2024 Distinguished Professor Award, COLA

Jan Golinski is an internationally respected scholar who is constantly expanding his students’ horizons and is committed to service at the university and beyond.

Golinski came to UNH in 1990 with a Ph.D. in history and philosophy of science from the University of Leeds. He quickly published the first of his four monographs, Science as Public Culture: Chemistry and Enlightenment in Britain, 1760-1820 with Cambridge University Press. Since then, he has published three more monographs on such subjects as the construction of scientific knowledge, enlightenment thinking about climate and the scientific evolution of Sir Humphry Davy. The influence of his scholarship is evident in the many invitations he receives to speak at conferences around the world and his recent term as the president of the History of Science Society.

Golinski’s students describe his courses as challenging, engaging and accessible. His Discovery courses on the history of science are highly sought after. His advanced courses on such subjects as climate and magic drew some of our best students, and his course on historiography shaped two generations of honors and graduate students. As one student noted: “Not only a great teacher of science, but the kind of professor who pushes you to question all previous knowledge as well as the possibilities of tomorrow.” For his excellence as a teacher and scholar, he won the Lindberg Award from the College of Liberal Arts in 2012, and his colleagues have long regarded him as a distinguished professor in every way. 

His profound impact as a scholar, educator, and mentor exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence, leaving a lasting legacy at UNH and beyond.

Michelle Leichtman, 2024 Graduate Faculty Mentor Award, COLA

For more than two decades, Michelle Leichtman has been an indispensable part of the UNH community. Her scholarly field focuses on memory development, and her extensive research has examined cultural differences in autobiographical memory and self-construal among children and adults, parent-child reminiscing conversations and memories of educational episodes. Over the course of her career, she has authored and edited numerous scholarly collections, journal articles and chapters published by the Journal of Experimental Psychology, Infant and Child Development and Emerging Themes in Cognitive Development, to name a few, and is the current graduate faculty coordinator for UNH’s psychology department.

However, what might be Leichtman’s most valuable contribution to the UNH community is the tireless mentorship and education she has provided her students. Since joining the university, she has served on 16 master’s and 20 Ph.D. committees, including eight as chair. As a mentor, students and faculty alike cite her ability to deftly push for excellence while also maintaining an encouraging approach for proven student success. 

Many of her students have gone on to distinguish themselves in the profession and cite her as being instrumental in their careers. As one of her colleagues noted in his supporting letter: “Michelle creates a wonderful balance between providing mentorship and allowing the students flexibility to make their own decisions about research and other matters. For instance, a former student noted in her supporting letter that she is ‘able to strike the perfect balance between giving guidance and still allowing her students the independence they need to grow.

Leichtman's students also note the exceptional degree to which she cares about their lives and well-being. As one put it: “Professor Leichtman has been exceptionally responsive to my needs and an incredibly instrumental figure in my academic achievements as a graduate student. She always made sure I received the academic, mental and social support that I was not even aware I needed.

Elizabeth Mellyn, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, COLA

Elizabeth Mellyn, associate professor of history, has a stellar record of classroom innovation. A scholar of early modern Europe, Mellyn consistently looks for dynamic ways to update and expand her roster of courses to actively engage students. 

In addition to the classes she routinely teaches  –  such as Women in Modern History, The History of Modern Medicine, and Religious Conflict in Early Modern Europe (which she retitled and revised as Saints, Sinners, and Heretics: Europe in the Age of Religious Reform)  – she has introduced new courses, including the honors seminar, The Mad Among Us: A Global History of Mental Disorder,; Game of Thrones: Power and Politics in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and a course on the history of the New Hampshire state mental hospital, which had students doing original, independent research on the history of mental illness in New Hampshire and the state’s attempt to address it. 

Students appreciate her expertise, intense energy and passion, and her creative expansion of assignments beyond research papers to include various kinds of group work, including a podcast assignment on pandemics in an introductory class. A similar timeliness infuses her Introduction to Historical Thinking course, where she includes books on controversial subjects – the 2nd Amendment, vaccines, hermaphrodites and abortion. 

As department chair Kurk Dorsey remarks, “No one could say that the study of history is not relevant to modern problems.” Students agree; while some are intimidated by the topical range and rigorous analysis, they also appreciate seeing the historical roots of modern controversies. Mellyn’s innovative teaching methods and passion for history not only challenge her students intellectually but also inspire them to connect the past with present-day issues.

Dawn Meredith, 2024 Jean Brierly Award for Excellence in Teaching, CEPS

Dawn Meredith, a professor of physics who retired in spring 2024 after more than 35 years as a faculty member at UNH, has worked tirelessly over the decades restructuring and improving the foundational courses that constitute introductory undergraduate physics for both life science majors and physical science and engineering majors at UNH. Meredith also took the opportunity to use results from physics education research to address the need to restructure the courses and integrate teaching practices obtained from these studies. 

Former students speak to Meredith’s full availability to solve problems and coach through difficult material and emphasize that her support extends beyond the one or two semesters' students spend in her courses. To quote a colleague who co-taught with her: “Students who sought help when they needed it always got it … [they] found that Dawn met them more than halfway … she would work as long and hard with them as necessary …”

Meredith’s positive influence on UNH students goes beyond those she has taught in her courses, which alone numbered in the hundreds most years during a career that spanned nearly three dozen years. She has supported student engagement and learning by instituting studio classes that combine laboratory and lecture, including GroupWork Friday as well as learning assistants and near-peer tutors who guide students through problem-solving and content. She also helped many faculty members design and improve their large-format courses to make them more engaging. Dawn’s dedication to student success and her transformative impact on physics education at UNH will be felt for generations to come, leaving an enduring legacy of innovation, support and excellence.

Seth Oranburg, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law

“His mastery of the topic, humor and teaching skills make him one of the best professors I have had in my long academic career.” This is how one of Seth Oranburg’s students described him in a recent evaluation at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law.

Among additional praises sung by students are:

“Professor Oranburg is engaging and insightful.” 

“He is not only a GREAT person but also an extremely TALENTED professor.”

“Professor Oranburg listens to the students and adapts his curriculum as best he can to help students learn.”

Since joining the faculty in 2022, Oranburg has established himself as a passionate educator with innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student engagement. He is known by his students for championing free speech, freedom of religion and expression and exemplifying diversity and inclusion opportunities throughout the community. With experience in venture finance at Fenwick & West LLP, Seth incorporates practical skills into his courses to better prepare his students for legal practice.  

Oranburg specializes in contract law, business law and trade secret law. His research focuses on the intersection of law, technology and innovation, with notable publications including A History of Financial Technology (2022) and Contract Law: Rules, Cases, and Problems (2023). His dedication to fostering connections — both online and in person — makes him a standout educator. 

Shannon Rogers ’07G, ’11G, 2024 Award for Excellence in Public Service, UNH Extension

As a state specialist and Extension associate professor in the department of natural resources, Shannon Rogers has dedicated the past seven years to advancing nature-based economic development across New Hampshire. Her applied research, supported by the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency and state funding, has significantly contributed to the state’s economic resilience by leveraging its natural resources.

One of her notable accomplishments includes an economic impact study of New Hampshire's rail trails, which has guided the state’s strategic expansion of this vital network, benefiting both the economy and local communities. Additionally, her Downtowns and Trails program has successfully connected municipal trails and downtown businesses, resulting in enhanced recreation facilities, improved wayfinding and strengthened local economies.

Rogers also led a UNH Collaborative Research Excellence project, fostering partnerships with multiple UNH departments, New Hampshire's Office of Outdoor Industry and Economic Development and organizations like the Granite Outdoor Alliance. Her work has established her as a key figure in nature-based economic development, known for her ability to forge multisector partnerships and drive impactful community engagement.

Her unwavering commitment to enhancing New Hampshire's economy through nature-based initiatives and her exceptional leadership in fostering community partnerships make Rogers a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award.

Kelly Root ’06, ’07G, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, Paul College

Kelly Root is a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor who can relate complex subjects to her students. Through sharing her own experiences as a certified public accountant and inviting other professionals into the classroom, Root creates an environment that encourages participation and engagement. 

Root’s students describe her as enthusiastic, fair and supportive, which is reflected in her outstanding evaluations, with 96% of students in fall 2023 agreeing that she effectively challenged them to think and learn. One student remarked, “I have learned a lot from Professor Root about working hard and that the more time and effort you put into your work, the better the outcome will be. She also teaches in a manner that really encourages the class to participate, which makes the class flow better and makes me raise my hand and not be afraid to make a mistake.” 

Since joining UNH in 2019, Kelly has made a significant impact both in and beyond the classroom. She plays a vital role in preparing students for their careers by teaching courses essential to passing the CPA exam.

Root's commitment to student success extends to co-curricular activities as well. In 2020, she founded the university's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, providing students with valuable networking and professional development opportunities. As the faculty advisor of the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, she has enabled students to make meaningful contributions by providing free tax services to underprivileged individuals in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region.

Laurie Shaffer, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, UNH Manchester

Since joining UNH Manchester’s faculty in 2017, Laurie Shaffer has been an invaluable leader in the American Sign Language/English interpreting program. 

An active practitioner of ASL/English interpreting for nearly three decades, Shaffer is not only passionate about the subject she teaches, but also about her students and their journeys. Colleagues and students alike recognize how invested she is in her students’ success both inside and outside the classroom. Student evaluations consistently cite her as supportive, knowledgeable and understanding, and they often highlight her engaging teaching style.

A true advocate for experiential learning, Shaffer’s students say her focus on hands-on work with the Deaf community is what inspires them to pursue impactful careers in the vital interpreting field. She cares deeply about interpreting, but also about the students she mentors and the people she works with. Colleagues praise her compassion and kindness, acknowledging her classroom as a place that fosters a sense of community. Her ability to create meaningful connections between students and the Deaf community not only enriches their educational experience but also instills in them a profound sense of responsibility and purpose in their future roles as interpreters.

Shaffer’s steadfast dedication to her students and her passion for American Sign Language interpreting make her a transformative educator who inspires future leaders in the field.

Dayle Sharp, 2024 Award for Excellence in Clinical Engagement, CHHS

Dayle Sharp has shown her excellence in clinical-based teaching and dedication to the university community and the profession of nursing. This is evident from her multiple presentations, publications, service to university committees and leadership as president of a national nursing organization. In addition to her professional endeavors, Sharp possesses a genuine warmth and compassion that resonates with both students and colleagues alike. She goes above and beyond to support and uplift her students and coworkers, offering guidance and encouragement whenever needed. Her impressive record of academic and clinical accomplishments as well as leadership exemplifies the qualities and dedication that the Excellence in Clinical Engagement Award seeks to honor.

Sharp has worked closely with UNH’s Institute of Health Policy and Practice to meet outcomes related to funding tuition for Nurse Practitioner students under a 4-year, $2.8 million HRSA grant titled Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW): Moving Beyond the Usual. This grant was designed to expand the healthcare workforce, focusing on the critical areas of opioid use disorder, behavioral health and healthcare policy analysis. The grant funded tuition for 48 nurse practitioner students, 44 family nurse practitioners and four psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students to train in rural and underserved communities in New Hampshire and Maine.

Sharp is dedicated, passionate, committed to fostering a culture of learning and growth, a trailblazer and an inspiration to us all. Her exceptional contributions to nursing education and her unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities truly embody the spirit of excellence we celebrate with this award.

Jill Thorson, 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching, CHHS

Over the years, Jill Thorson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to teaching, with her work spanning both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her pedagogical approach reflects a deep understanding of student-centered learning, as she consistently differentiates instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Thorson excels at making complex concepts accessible, especially in courses such as Language Acquisition and Clinical Phonetics. Her thoughtful integration of active learning strategies, use of technology and clear, well-structured presentations allow students to engage deeply with the material. Moreover, her dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom, as she regularly meets with students for one-on-one consultations and fosters a collaborative environment in her research lab.

Notably, Thorson’s teaching has left a lasting impact on her students, who frequently describe her as passionate, accessible and inspiring. Her ability to transform difficult material into an engaging learning experience is unparalleled, as evidenced by the positive feedback from her students and colleagues. Some typical examples: “Dr. Thorson’s language acquisition class is what made me realize that I wanted to be a clinician … I have grown immensely from being part of her research lab … her mentorship will make me a well-rounded clinician.”

Thorson’s remarkable dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment not only elevates the standards of education within the College of Health and Human Services but also inspires her students to reach their full potential in the field of communication sciences and disorders.

Jingfeng Xiao, 2024 Award for Excellence in Research, EOS

Since joining the Earth Systems Research Center in 2009, Jingfeng Xiao has become a leading expert in global ecology, focusing on the carbon cycle, climate change, remote sensing and Earth system modeling. His groundbreaking work over the past 15 years has advanced understanding of the impacts of climate change and human activities on the Earth’s biosphere and the feedback to the climate, providing a scientific basis for developing effective solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation.  

Xiao is internationally recognized and widely respected for his numerous pioneering contributions to science. His work has appeared in nearly 200 peer-reviewed publications, including the prestigious Science, Nature Plants, and Nature Communications journals. Besides his role as a dynamic researcher and scholar, Xiao is also an effective communicator who is always eager to share his research findings, knowledge and skills with colleagues, students and the public. He is deeply committed to mentoring and advising young scientists, and he has helped numerous students and postdocs of diverse genders, backgrounds and nationalities become outstanding scientists. His outstanding accomplishments as a scientist, mentor and communicator have had a tremendous impact on advancing the theory and applications of Earth system science, as well as on catalyzing other scientists to push the boundaries of scientific frontiers and build on his discoveries.