Faculty Honored with University Awards 2017

Anthony Mendes

Professor, Mathematics Department

Distinguished Teaching Award

For some learners, mathematics is puzzling. Anthony Mendes strives to have his student see math problems as puzzles to be worked through and figured out.

“He has a great attitude and loves questions and concerns,” one mathematics senior said. “When students make mistakes … he uses (them) to guide us through the problem to help us learn and grow.” His teaching style, born of a passion and grounded, he says, in the “belief that education is an incredible tool in building a more equitable society,” is not lost on students.

Classroom observers were wowed by a unique teaching style. “Dr. Mendes imbues advanced mathematical topics with a sense of wonder and intrigue,” said the review committee. “In posing problems as puzzles to be pondered rather than mechanical chores to be dispatched, students are eager to talk with one another and share ideas.

The bridge between intuitive understanding and mathematical rigor is no easy crossing, but Mendes consistently negotiates that span with humor, sparkling wit and good-natured enthusiasm.” Mendes, who joined the Cal Poly Mathematics Department in 2004, was attracted to teaching out of a desire to share “some of the amazing mathematics I had learned.”

“If there is a secret to being a great mathematics teacher,” he said, “it is making sure that each individual student knows you care. This means making the effort to get to know each student individually.” And if he inspires individuals along the way, the feeling is mutual. “I am constantly amazed by our outstanding students,” he said. “I can only hope to inspire them as much as they have inspired me.”

 

Raymond H. Fernando

Arthur C. Edwards Endowed Chair in Polymers and Coating; Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department; Director, Cal Poly's Kenneth N. Edwards Western Coating Technology Center

Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy

Polymer and coatings affect people where they live. That’s because almost every engineering product — from packaging and paints to clothes and more — uses a protective chemical coating. Cal Poly is a leader in the field, and through its Kenneth N. Edwards Western Coatings Technology Center is producing students who will become industry leaders, says Professor and center Director Ray Fernando.

“Over the past 15 years, Ray has demonstrated exemplary leadership in attracting private support for the center,” said Phil Bailey, who retired as College of Science and Mathematics dean. “The center’s hands-on labs and research supports the university's mission and exemplifies Learn by Doing experiences for our students.”

Fernando has been a very active fundraiser, playing a key role in raising $3 million to establish the center in the Baker Center and an additional $1.1 million to expand its facilities. He also raised more than $200,000 for scholarships and helped faculty bring in over $1.2 million in research grants.

“Through Ray's efforts, the profile of the polymers and coatings program has been raised to international renown,” Bailey said. “This has resulted in additional opportunities for students in research, internships and employment — with 100 percent student employment upon graduation.”

 

Suzanne Phelan

Professor, Kinesiology Department 

Distinguished Scholarship Award

Suzanne Phelan has embraced the responsibility to excite her students about health, community and the world around them.

A colleague noted that Phelan is “committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in the field by engaging undergraduate and graduate students in meaningful research experiences.” More than 50 students have been actively involved in her research projects.

Phelan engages students in research through independent research projects, senior research projects, thesis, and volunteer opportunities. She also hires students as research assistants, works with the Bridges to Baccalaureate and Frost Undergraduate Summer Research programs, and has helped a student secure a $67,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Diversity Fellowship for undergraduate research.

Phelan joined the Kinesiology Department in 2008. Since then, she has developed a nationally recognized research program in in maternal, child and family health; authored or co-authored over 100 peer reviewed publications; and secured more than $10 million in external funding from the National Institutes of Health. She has also brought recognition to Cal Poly by serving as a reviewer for 13 scientific journals and as a standing NIH Study Section member reviewing obesity and diabetes proposals.

 

Elena Keeling

Professor, Biological Science Department

Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award

Elena Keeling strives to help students succeed academically and personally through her participation in a range of mentoring and coaching programs as well as a firm belief in the importance of personal interactions and a sense of community.

Students and staff praised Keeling’s approachability, compassion and strong commitment to student success.

“Keeling is one of the best professors that I’ve had in college,” one student said. “Not only does she want one to succeed academically, but she also wants to get to know each of her students personally.”

Another student said that she is “compassionate and understanding that students’ lives are more than just biology, and she always has good advice for us when we don’t know what to do. She inspires her students to work hard, be organized and achieve success.”

Keeling serves as a BEACoN (Believe, Educate & Empower, Advocate, Collaborate, Nurture) mentor, a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) faculty ally and a coach for success programs for students on academic probation.

She joined the College of Science and Mathematics in 1996.