The Dean’s Excellence Awards Program recognizes faculty and staff who have distinguished themselves in areas critical to advancing the mission and values of the VCU College of Engineering.
“Our faculty and staff continuously impress me with their outstanding accomplishments. It’s important to thank our colleagues who go above and beyond everyday expectations,” said Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc., ASME and IEEE Fellow, Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of the VCU College of Engineering. “It’s an honor to work with such exceptional professionals, and I look forward to seeing the great things they will do in the coming year.
Congratulations to our 2024 honorees! View all photos from the awards ceremony on Flickr.
Faculty Awards
Dean’s Research Excellence Award: Lukasz Kurgan, Ph.D., Robert J. Mattauch Endowed Professor and Vice Chair of Computer Science
Recognizing an outstanding scholar, recipients of this award demonstrate a pattern of productive scholarly activity which has been recognized nationally or internationally. Traditional research, creative endeavors and other scholarly work is included in this category.
Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award: Radhika Barua, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Outstanding teachers that use engaging instruction techniques, materials and methods to inspire students qualify for the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award. This person develops outstanding learning curriculum, learning materials and teaching strategies, serving students’ interests both inside and outside the classroom.
Dean’s Service and Outreach Excellence Award: Karla Mossi, Ph.D., Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Performing superior service or outreach activities to benefit Virginia Commonwealth University, the professional community or the Greater Richmond Area, this honoree’s contributions and leadership show a lasting positive impact to the groups they serve.
Dean’s Faculty Fellow Award: Irfan Ahmed, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Computer Science
Recognizing assistant to associate professors, this honoree demonstrates superior accomplishment in areas like teaching, research, service and/or outreach.
Staff Awards
Dean’s Excellence in Service Award: Benjamin Meyers
Exhibiting exceptional achievements or service in support of the College of Engineering’s mission, this staff member may be recognized for the culmination of their service and/or for excellence in a one-time contribution.
Dean’s Excellence in Innovation: Sam Stiver
Creativity in problem-solving skills and daily work exemplify this honoree. They recognize the value of taking responsible risks and learning from mistakes in order to find new or better ways to work. Developing alternative solutions to problems and understanding the feasibility of each, honorees effectively share and implement their ideas.
Faculty and Staff Awards
Dean’s Award of Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Lori Floyd-Miller
Creating a stronger sense of unity through their dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, this honoree demonstrates a commitment to enhancing belonging for people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, perspectives and experiences at the VCU College of Engineering. Additionally, they create a welcoming and inclusive climate through everyday actions and personal work habits.