Professor Laureate Award

The Professor Laureate Award is the college’s highest academic honor, bestowed upon dedicated faculty with outstanding contributions to the missions of research, teaching, mentoring and outreach. The designation is intended to honor recipients and to provide the college with exceptional role models. The title is held for three years and includes an honorarium and two years of research funding.

2023 Professor Laureates

Kim Hoke, Biology

Kim Hoke above the kindness lounge at C S U.

Rachel Pries, Mathematics

Rachel Pries smiling by the Kindness Lounge at C S U.

Biology Professor Kim Hoke, who joined Colorado State University in 2009, has been named one of the 2023 College of Natural Sciences Professor Laureates. Hoke earned her doctorate at Stanford University and honed her expertise as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Texas at Austin and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. At CSU she leads innovative research at the Hoke Lab, where her work delves into the mechanisms behind the evolution of complex behaviors like communication, mate choice, reproduction, competition and anti-predator strategies. The Hoke Lab explores the interplay between biology and behavior, examining how genetic variations and life experiences impact brain function in frogs and guppies. In 2017, Hoke earned recognition as a Monfort Professor, a “rising star” award at Colorado State University, which provided grant funding for her research. In 2020, she assumed the role of director of the LIFE Core Curriculum, transforming the curricula for pivotal science courses and fostering student success through dedicated leadership, solidifying her position as a role model and scholar shaping the scientific community at CSU. 

Mathematics Professor Rachel Pries, named a 2023 College of Natural Sciences Professor Laureate, is recognized for groundbreaking research in arithmetic geometry, with a focus on moduli spaces of curves and Galois theory. Pries holds a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania and a post-doctorate from Columbia University. She joined CSU as an assistant professor in 2003, progressing to full professor in 2014. Her work explores the intersection of number theory, geometry and algebra, particularly the stratification of the moduli space of curves using invariants like the Newton polygon. Beyond her research, Pries teaches abstract algebra, number theory and cryptography. Pries actively fosters a supportive mathematical community as a Women in Number Theory Network founding member, VaNTAGe seminar organizer and a mentor to graduate students. Honored as a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society in 2018 and as a Fellow of the Association for Women in Math in 2023, Pries is a role model for mathematicians, especially women. 

Former Professor Laureates

2023

Kim Hoke, Biology
Rachel Pries, Mathematics

2022

Benjamin Clegg, Psychology
Jeffrey Hansen, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Amy Prieto, Chemistry

2021

Indrakshi Ray, Computer Science
Robert J. Wilson, Physics

2020

Jennifer L. Mueller, Mathematics
Charles S. Henry, Chemistry

2019

Jennifer DeLuca, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Mingzhong Wu, Physics

2018

Debbie Garrity, Biology
Ernie Chavez, Psychology

2017

Dan Cooley, Statistics
Melissa Reynolds, Chemistry

2016

Anthony Rappé, Chemistry

2015

Jennifer A. Hoeting, Statistics
Debbie Crans, Chemistry

2014

Robert B. France, Computer Science
Carl E. Patton, Physics

2013

Patricia A. Bedinger, Biology
F. Jay Breidt, Statistics

2012

Steven H. Strauss, Chemistry

2011

Lorann Stallones, Psychology
Laurie Stargell, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

2010

Adele Howe, Computer Science
N. LeRoy Poff, Biology

2009
2008

Ellen Fisher, Chemistry
Alan Knapp, Biology

2007

Michael Elliott, Chemistry
Jennifer Nyborg, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
A.S.N. Reddy, Biology

2006

Norman Curthoys, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Richard Davis, Statistics
Jerry Deffenbacher, Psychology

Teaching and Mentoring Awards

The purpose of these awards is to offer public recognition to superior teachers and mentors in our college and to focus attention on our commitment to excellence in education.

A group of 2023 award winners in front of a green C S U backdrop, many holding awards.
From left to right, back row: Kristen Ruegg, Simon Tavener, Elizabeth Arnold, Hannah Finch, Evelyn Palma. Front row: Kristen Felten, Rachel Pries, and Katherine Hebert.

2023 Awardees

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring (Pre-Tenure)

Elizabeth Arnold, Department of Mathematics

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or MentoringErin Osborne Nishimura, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or MentoringHannah Finch, Department of Psychology

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or MentoringKatherine Hebert, Department of Psychology

Kristen Ruegg, Department of Biology

Dean’s Recognition Award

Kristen Felten, Office of the DeanEvelyn Palma, Office of the Dean

2022-2023

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Marc Nishimura, Department of Biology
Kayleigh Keller, Department of Statistics

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Dave Matthews, Department of Computer Science
Anna Allen, Department of Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Lisa Angeloni, Department of Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Maggi Braasch-Turi, Department of Chemistry
Andrew Tonsager, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Dean’s Recognition Award

Bryan Elder, Department of Mathematics
Ron Costello, Department of Chemistry

2021-2022

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Jeffrey Bandar, Department of Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Henry Adams, Department of Mathematics
Tanya Dewey, Department of Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Meena Balgopal, Department of Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Katherine McNeely-White, Department of Psychology
Nehali Mhatre, Department of Statistics

Dean’s Recognition Award

Courtney Butler, CNS Education and Outreach Center
Julia Murphy, Office of the Registrar

2020-2021

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Jeffrey Bandar, Department of Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Henry Adams, Department of Mathematics
Tanya Dewey, Department of Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Meena Balgopal, Department of Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Katherine McNeely-White, Department of Psychology
Nehali Mhatre, Department of Statistics

Dean’s Recognition Award

Courtney Butler, CNS Education and Outreach Center
Julia Murphy, Office of the Registrar

2019-2020

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Joseph Zadrozny, Department of Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Joseph Gersch, Department of Computer Science
Jeffrey Hansen, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Jana Anderson, Department of Statistics
Garret Miyake, Department of Chemistry

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Alex Fout, Department of Statistics
Ashlie Johnson, Department of Psychology
Julie Prosser, Department of Psychology

Dean’s Recognition Award

Alicia Armentrout, Department of Physics
Korina Burn, Dean’s Office
Anne Manning, Strategic Communication and Public Relations

2018-2019

Outstanding Career Contributions in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Brian Jones, Department of Physics

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Erin Nishimura, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Kate Ross, Department of Physics

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Tom Santangelo, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Rachel Mueller, Department of Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring

Ryan Rahm-Knigge, Department of Psychology

Dean’s Recognition Award

Karen Kahler, Department of Chemistry
Ross Madden, College of Natural Sciences

2017-2018

Dean’s Recognition Award

Meagan Taverner, Biology
Jannine Mohr, Office of General Council

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Ben Prytherch, Ph.D., Statistics

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Delphine Farmer, Ph.D., Chemistry

Early Career (Pre-Tenure) Faculty Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Jessica Hagman, Ph.D. , Mathematics

Graduate Student Teaching & Mentoring Award

Pam Lundeberg, Psychology
Annalise Maughan, Chemistry
Charles Vollmer,
Statistics

2016-2017

Dean’s Recognition Award

Margi Cech, College of Natural Sciences
Betty Wilmoth, Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Joseph Diverdi, Ph.D., Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Colleen Webb, Ph.D., Biology

Early Career (Pre-Tenure) Faculty Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Jamie Neilson, Ph.D. , Chemistry
Dan Sloan, Ph.D., Biology

Graduate Student Teaching & Mentoring Award

Lauren Bates, Psychology

2015-2016

Dean’s Recognition Award

Lisa Anaya Esquibel, Sponsored Programs
Heather L. Michalak, Little Shop of Physics
Robert Adame, Physics Machine Shop

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Eric D. Ross, Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Mary C. Meyer Ph.D., Statistics

Early Career (Pre-Tenure) Faculty Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring Award

Amber T. Krummel Ph.D., Chemistry
Jaime G. Ruiz, Ph.D., Computer Science

Graduate Student Teaching & Mentoring Award

Samuel T. Dunn, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology
Hillary Wehe, Psychology
Zachary D. Weller, Statistics

2014-2015

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Christopher G. Wilcox, Ph.D., Computer Science

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Shane Kanatous, Ph.D., Biology

Melissa Reynolds, Ph.D., Chemistry

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching or Mentoring

Brian McNaughton, Ph.D., Chemistry

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Elizabeth Harp, Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Sarah Morrison-Smith, Computer Science

2013-2014

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Shrideep Pallickara, Ph.D., Computer Science

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Matthew P. Shores, Ph.D., Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Education & Mentoring

Asa Ben-Hur, Ph.D., Computer Science

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching & Mentoring

Santiago Di Pietro, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Sarah Warner Fitzpatrick, Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Francis C. Motta, Mathematics
Crystal M. Vander Zanden, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

2012-2013

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Edward L. DeLosh, Ph.D., Psychology
Patrick D. Shipman, Ph.D., Mathematics

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Lisa Angeloni, Ph. D., Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Education & Mentoring

Donald L. Mykles, Ph.D., Biology

Post-Doctoral Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

E. Dale Broder, Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Janet M. Peters, Psychology

2011-2012

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Jennifer Jill Harman, Ph.D., Psychology

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Charles S. Henry, Ph.D., Chemistry

Early Career Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching or Mentoring

Lisa Angeloni, Ph.D., Biology

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Education and Mentoring

Eugene Y. Chen, Ph.D., Chemistry

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Leif Anderson, Physics
Erin M. Schliep, Statistics

2010-2011

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Education and Mentoring Award

Kurt Kraiger, Ph.D., Psychology

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award

Charles F. Stone, Biology

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award

Aaron J. Sholders, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award

Simon J. Tavener, Ph.D., Mathematics

Early Career (pre-tenure) Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching or Mentoring Award

Mingzhong Wu, Physics

2009-2010

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Amanda E. Sensenig, Psychology
Cassandra L. Williams, Mathematics

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Patricia A. Bedinger, Ph.D., Biology
Ross M. McConnell, Ph.D., Computer Science

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Lisa Dysleski, Ph.D., Chemistry

2008-2009

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Education and Mentoring

Michael F. Antolin, Ph.D, Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Tenaya L. Newkirk, Ph.D., Chemistry

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Gregory L. Florant, Ph.D., Biology

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Norman P. Curthoys, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adele E. Howe, Ph.D., Computer Science

2007-2008

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Education and Mentoring

Laurie A. Stargell, Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching

Jacob A. Benfield, Ph.D., Psychology
Adam N. Pearlstein, Ph.D., Physics

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Benjamin A. Clegg, Ph.D., Psychology

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

R. Steve Robinson, Ph.D., Physics

Faculty Excellence in Teaching & Mentoring – Early Career Award

Cameron K. Ghalambor, Ph.D., Biology

Faculty Excellence in Teaching Innovation

Karla J. Gingerich, Ph.D., Psychology

College Outreach