Apples for faculty

Nineteen Ohio State faculty have been honored this spring as recipients of the 2002 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Distinguished Scholar Award and the Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service. They will receive their awards at a May 29 reception and banquet.

The awards are supported by the offices of Academic Affairs and Research, The Ohio State University Alumni Association and private donations to the University.

Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching

The Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching honors faculty members who have done a superior job of teaching. Recipients are nominated by students and colleagues, and are chosen by a committee of alumni, students and faculty. They receive a cash award of $3,000 and a $1,200 increase in their base salaries. Teaching award recipients also are inducted into the Academy of Teaching, which provides leadership on improving teaching at Ohio State.

Frank T. Coulson Professor Department of Greek and Latin

For many of the classes that Coulson teaches, there are no textbooks of a suitable kind and level. So in effect, he has to create a textbook every time he teaches such classes as Medieval Latin and paleography. To assist students in learning, he has prepared a large number of practical aids, based on his own experience. One peer said he was "impressed with how generous (Coulson) is in providing his students with his own hard-won scholarly insights and tricks-of-the-trade. He encourages them to take them and make free use of them." An Ohio State faculty member since 1982, Coulson has been crucial in establishing and maintaining his department's entire course of instruction in Medieval Latin studies. Students praise him for his devotion to teaching and his willingness to give individual attention to their needs.

Susan Robb Jones Assistant Professor School of Educational Policy and Leadership

Simply put, some students' lives have been transformed by Jones' courses. "Dr. Jones' classes changed who I am as an individual," a former student wrote. "Her courses are very reflective in nature, and she creates a caring environment in the classroom in which it is not only comfortable, but rather, the norm, to take risks in how one thinks." Yet another student changed majors after taking the undergraduate service-learning course designed by Jones, seeking a career that would involve helping others. "Through Dr. Jones' vision, people are walking away with life-altering learning experiences," he wrote. Jones, also director of the Student Personnel Assistantship Program in the College of Education, became a faculty member in the higher education and student affairs program in 1998. Her courses have ranged from an introduction to student affairs administration to diversity in higher education. She was the 2001 recipient of her school's Outstanding Teaching Award.

J. Eric Juterbock Associate Professor Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology Ohio State Lima

At Ohio State Lima, many of the students take biology courses to meet a general science requirement. "And then they meet Eric," wrote one nominator. Because of Juterbock's efforts, the campus is now in the process of proposing a major in biology. A three-time winner of Ohio State Lima's teaching award, Juterbock -- known as "Dr. J" to his students -- takes the time to nurture budding biologists outside of the classroom. "Late in my undergraduate career, I decided that I wanted to pursue animal behavior in graduate school," wrote a former student. "Dr. J. taught an extra class to help me catch up on what I needed for graduate study." Juterbock, who received his Ph.D. from Ohio State, was also instrumental in starting the honors program at the regional campus. To students, Juterbock is "exactly what being an Ohio State University faculty member is all about."

Gregory W. Kilcup Associate Professor Department of Physics

Perhaps Kilcup's teaching ability is best evidenced during his students' group study sessions; their coursework often inspires them to engage in heated late-night debates. But what makes Kilcup really special is that those students can e-mail him a question at 2 a.m. to settle an argument, and receive a genial reply by 2:30. After graduating summa cum laude from Yale University in 1981, Kilcup earned his doctorate from Harvard University in 1986, and joined the Ohio State faculty in 1990. For two years, he taught the sophomore-level series -- the most critical courses in the entire undergraduate physics curriculum. Kilcup's innovative group study methods helped students persevere through these difficult classes, and even drew students from other majors to physics. Students wrote appreciatively of his "physics of pool" demonstrations at Woody's Place in the Ohio Union, and the "cafe hours" he held at a neighborhood coffeehouse so they could reach him easily outside of class.

Mary K. Marvel Associate Professor School of Public Policy and Management

Marvel's dedication to teaching is such that she actually teaches more classes than is required by her department. One colleague said, "Teaching is not simply a part of her job, it is truly her calling to which she is deeply dedicated." Marvel received her Ph.D. in political science at Ohio State in 1978 and has been a faculty member here since then. In addition to teaching, she developed a unique grant-writing policy lab in which she and her students actively work with Columbus agencies to produce meaningful grant proposals and have them evaluated. She also organized a new undergraduate policy analysis course. Students uniformly praise Marvel as a teacher, and she has three times won the Public Administration Student Association's Outstanding Teacher Award.

Dev S. Pathak Director, Center for Health Outcomes, Policy and Evaluation Studies (HOPES) Merrell Dow Professor, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration Professor, School of Public Health

Pathak's dedication to his students continues even after they leave the University. "His philosophy of life and the way he handled things day by day taught me many valuable lessons that I now put into practice," wrote a former student. Pathak came to Ohio State in 1980 to chair the Department of Pharmacy Administration. Colleagues say that he nurtured the program into becoming one of the best of its kind in the nation. Pathak has published no fewer than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals during his 30-plus-year career. And while he's recognized as one of the best researchers in the pharmacoeconomics industry, his students also hold him in high esteem as a teacher. "Dr. Pathak is an extraordinary individual," wrote one student. "He is generous with his expertise, and his passion for his work is infectious." Pathak received his doctoral degree in business administration from Michigan State University.

R. Brian Stone Assistant Professor Department of Industrial, Interior, and Visual Communication Design

Attending a class taught by Stone "is a dynamic experience," according to one nominating student. A specialist in interactive visual communication, multimedia interfaces, Web usability and environmental graphic design, he has taught both lecture and studio courses since joining the Ohio State faculty in 1999. He is lauded by colleagues for bringing new life to one of the department's most difficult courses to teach, and has made changes to the curriculum in numerous classes based on students' needs. Students praise his teaching style, which puts beginners at ease while simultaneously challenging the more advanced. "He refers to students as 'colleagues' to flatten any hierarchy of communication that sometimes exists between students and instructor," a student wrote, adding, "He's in touch with the 'industry' of his art, and passed on all knowledge that he can. To him, hoarding knowledge is the biggest crime." Stone was named by Apple Computer Inc. as an Apple Distinguished Educator for innovative use of technology in teaching in 2001-02.

David L. Tomasko Associate Professor Department of Chemical Engineering

Quizzes took on new meaning in Tomasko's thermodynamics class, when students had to create the quiz questions themselves. "Until that point, I had not realized what a great personal learning experience it is to teach others," one student wrote. Tomasko tirelessly counseled students, especially minority and at-risk students, to help them find their voice in academia and their place in engineering. His effort prompted one student to comment, "Dr. Tomasko's work in this area not only speaks to his compassion, but also his leadership and ability to define what can be possible in the world versus accepting the status quo." He earned his bachelor's degree magna cum laude from the University of Tulsa in 1986, and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois in 1990 and 1992. Since joining the faculty in 1993, Tomasko has developed one new course, redesigned another, and developed a new laboratory sequence for the freshman engineering course.

Gregory N. Washington Associate Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering

Since joining the faculty in 1995, Washington has taught numerous courses in system dynamics and controls, including one he developed on "Smart Materials and Intelligent Systems," as well as another pilot course intended to enhance the educational experience of underrepresented groups in engineering. He also has served as the faculty adviser to the Ohio State branch of the National Society of Black Engineers. "He realizes that the in-class teaching is only one aspect of molding well-rounded students, and more importantly, human beings," nominating students wrote. Washington routinely is named by graduating seniors as a highly regarded professor among department faculty, and is esteemed by colleagues for encouraging high-caliber undergraduates to participate in research activities. Recognized for his own research with a National Science Foundation CAREER award, Washington is praised by students for "his ability to communicate his vast knowledge of complex subject matters in such a manner that is understandable to the everyday student."

Judy Tzu-Chun Wu Assistant Professor Department of History

Students praise Wu for the way she actively encourages discussion in her classes, challenges them to question assumptions, and still makes everyone feel free to express their points of view. As one student said, Wu "creates a classroom where speaking freely is the norm, when one can challenge or be challenged in safe and respectful ways, and where everyone is treated as an important member of a learning community." Wu joined the faculty in 1998 and has been active in designing courses in Asian American history. She has integrated material on race and ethnicity into U.S. and women's history courses. In addition, she has organized a dissertation group for students working on women and sexuality, given talks throughout the University on Asian American history, and served as one of two main organizers of Asian American studies at Ohio State.

Distinguished Scholar Award

The Distinguished Scholar Award recognizes exceptional scholarly accomplishments by senior professors who have compiled a substantial body of research, as well as the work of younger faculty members who have demonstrated great scholarly potential. Recipients are nominated by their departments and chosen by a committee of senior faculty, including several past recipients of the award. Distinguished Scholars receive a $3,000 honorarium and a $20,000 research grant to be used during the next three years.

Michael A. Caligiuri The John L. Marakas Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Foundation Chair in Cancer Research Professor & Director, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine Associate Director, Clinical Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center

A quick review of Caligiuri's nomination package for Distinguished Scholar leaves a reader breathless. The letters recommending him come from senior researchers at the world's three leading cancer centers Ñ Dana-Farber, Sloan-Kettering and M.D. Anderson. Caligiuri's success as both teacher and researcher are renowned. The author of more than 100 scientific papers in some of the best international journals and a popular invited lecturer, he leads the field of study of basic lymphocyte biology, viral lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia. Caligiuri is a member of, or has held positions in, at least a dozen major scientific societies and associations. A dedicated teacher, he has mentored at least 70 undergraduate or graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in the last decade. One former student wrote, "Caligiuri has the unique ability to draw upon an individual's unique strengths and direct focus towards highly creative projects." A colleague added simply, "Mike has a passion for teaching."

Richard Davis Professor Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures

Numerous supporters of Davis' nomination cite him as the finest living translator of Persian literature. He is the author of numerous books, including the renowned Epic and Sedition: the Case of Ferdowi's Shahnameh (1992), considered revolutionary in the field and declared by one peer to be "simply the best interpretive study of it to appear in any language." Another said his translations, abridgments and other retellings of various stories from Shahnameh (Book of Kings) "have acquainted tens of thousands of English readers with the grandeur and sweep of the Persian epic in a way that no previous scholar has been able to do." Also a poet, Davis' Devices and Desires: New and Selected Poems was chosen as a "Book of the Year" (1989) by two national British newspapers. A recipient of many prizes, Davis in 2001 was the first invited Yarshater Lecturer at UCLA; the newly endowed lectureship honors the finest in Persian literary scholarship. An Ohio State faculty member since 1988, Davis is considered by at least one colleague as a candidate for recognition "as a major academic figure at the turn of the 21st century."

Andrew P. Gould Professor Department of Astronomy

Gould's research is so creative and original that -- as one nominator wrote -- even if he stopped publishing today, "his impact on astronomy would continue to grow as the rest of the field caught up with him." Lauded as "one of the best astrophysicists of his generation," Gould is considered the world leader in gravitational microlensing, a technique for finding dark matter in the universe. Gould graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Stanford University in 1971, and returned there after a job in industry to obtain his doctorate in physics in 1988. He conducted research at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton before joining the Ohio State faculty in 1993. He received an Alfred P. Sloan research fellowship in 1994 and has since mentored doctoral students who achieved distinctions of their own: Four earned Presidential Fellowships from the University and one earned a Hubble Fellowship, one of the most prestigious in astronomy.

Tin-Lun (Jason) Ho Professor Department of Physics

Nominators praised Ho's ability to bridge different areas of physics to cultivate a specialty in quantum fields. Superfluid helium and superconductors are examples of these kinds of phenomena, where materials flow without loss of energy. Much of Ho's research concerns Bose-Einstein condensation, a new state of matter for which three of his colleagues received the Nobel Prize in 2001. Ho was the first to propose the properties of the so-called spin-1/2 Bose gas, and went on to pioneer a new field called "spinor Bose condensate." One of the nominators -- one of the world's most renowned physicists in the area of Bose-Einstein condensation -- commented that Ho taught him much of what he knows about superfluids. Ho earned his doctorate in physics from Cornell University in 1978, and joined the Ohio State faculty in 1983. He has been named Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, and the American Physical Society.

Deborah Jones Merritt John Deaver Drinko-Baker & Hostetler Chair, College of Law

While many legal scholars specialize in one area of law, Merritt has gained international recognition in three areas: federal-state relations, equity and affirmative action, and the application of social science techniques to legal issues. Her work, while commanding respect among scholars, has also had a substantial impact on the development of law in the United States. Merritt's work has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court, half the federal appellate courts and numerous other courts. She has gained the respect and admiration of even those who disagree with her views. One colleague said he disagrees "fervently" with her views on federalism, but added, "She really is a first-rate scholar." Merritt, who is also director of the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy, joined the Ohio State faculty in 1995.

Allison A. Snow Professor Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

One nominator praises Snow as holding a "preeminent position within the scientific disciplines of ecology, agriculture and evolutionary ecology." Her "highly original and influential" work with and understanding of genetically modified organisms has garnered more than $1.5 million in funding, often from the most competitive federal sources. Scientists in the United States and abroad seek out her expertise on issues in biotechnology -- she has served on several advisory panels for the National Academy of Sciences and currently has ongoing projects in Vietnam and Denmark. Snow has published more than 46 papers in peer-reviewed journals, often in the top publications in her field, including the prestigious journals Nature and Science. Snow's peers also champion her open-minded approach to doing research. "Her objective viewpoint is the essence of a great scientist," wrote a colleague. Snow, who came to Ohio State in 1988, received her Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts.

Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service

The Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service honors faculty who have made extensive contributions to the development and implementation of University policies and programs through nonadministrative roles. They are nominated by members of the University community and selected by a committee of faculty, administrators and previous recipients. They receive a $3,000 cash award and an increase of $1,200 to their base salaries.

Bruce E. Bursten Distinguished University Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry

Bursten's nomination brought out the creativity in those supporting his candidacy for the award. One colleague said his service is "pythonic" compared to the "garter snake" qualities of some others who participate in "the occasional administrative undertaking." Another noted he has served on numerous "industrial strength" University committees. Yet another wrote, "Although there is no Bursten Plan, Bursten Policy, or Bursten Committee that one can point to, this cumulative impact has made a difference in this University and is a model of service that many of us might seek to emulate." Bursten is universally considered a bona fide "triple threat" when it comes to teaching, scholarship and service. His extensive service includes membership in the Academy of Teaching as a recipient of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching; service on numerous award selection committees; and current membership on the President's Council on Women's Issues and the President and Provost's Advisory Committee. He joined the faculty in 1980.

Brian D. Joseph Professor, Department of Linguistics Kenneth E. Naylor Professor of South Slavic Linguistics

As chair of the Department of Linguistics from 1987 to 1997, Joseph is credited with developing the department into a high-ranking unit known nationally and internationally for its excellence. His broad service includes membership on virtually every department committee. Beyond the quantity of his University service -- on committees reflecting governance assignments as well as those concerning academic program quality and awards -- is the depth of his contribution, according to many supporting his nomination. "Brian Joseph has distinguished himself among this University's most capable and generous administrative minds," a colleague wrote. Another described him as "a golden asset to the University community. He's a man of basic fairness, high responsibility and good judgment." Among his noted activities are his generous participation in international programs and pursuit of enhancing his college's diversity, "both human (faculty, staff and students) and programmatic," a colleague wrote, and seeing related recommendations through to implementation. Joseph also is heavily involved in professional service, participating in numerous conferences and organizations. He has been an Ohio State faculty member since 1979.

Stephen M. Reed Professor Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Reed has a "heart as big as The Ohio State University," reports one colleague. The head of equine medicine and surgery, he has a record of service that dates back to his student days, when he was a member of the Inter-Professional Council. He has been active in University and professional service since joining the faculty in 1983 while maintaining a heavy teaching load and being frequently called upon for his equine expertise. Reed "has been a staunch supporter of faculty governance here at OSU, and has matched his convictions with large investments of time and energy," a colleague noted. Reed's most recent University governance role was as Faculty Council chair in 2001-02; he also is a former chair of University Senate's Athletic Council and Rules Committee. Many supporting his nomination highlighted Reed's spirited nature. One colleague called him "an enthusiastic and important ambassador for Ohio State." Another wrote, "Steve's open affection for this institution is part of what makes him such an effective University citizen."

Biographies by Emily Caldwell, Pam Frost Gorder, Jeff Grabmeier, Earle Holland and Holly Wagner

Photography by Kevin Fitzsimons and Jo McCulty

Design by Mary Meyers

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