Awards of Excellence recognizes our community’s impact

Hundreds of UW colleagues, family and friends celebrated the recipients of this year’s Awards of Excellence on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The following is based on remarks made by President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost and Executive Vice President Tricia Serio at the 54th annual event.

2024 Awards of Excellence Recipients

Distinguished Staff Award for Career Achievement: Martha Walsh (she/her), Managing Editor, Journal of Japanese Studies, and Senior Program Associate, Japan Studies Program, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies

Over the course of more than four decades, Martha’s exceptional competence, efficiency, good judgment and organizational ability have propelled the Journal of Japanese Studies (JJS) to become the leading journal in the field of Japanese Studies and our Japanese Studies program one of top ten in the nation. Thanks to her leadership, not only was the JJS website updated with inclusive language, but the JJS editorial board has recruited the most diverse and impressive group of trustees in its history.

Distinguished Staff Award for Collaboration: Carly C. Johnson (she/her), Program Coordinator, Office of Community Partnerships, UW Tacoma

Carly’s collaborative spirit has been invaluable in creating transparent and inclusive hiring practices for the Office of Community Partnerships, helping attract diverse applicant pools of student employees. Her contributions have had far-reaching impacts on student employees, her colleagues and the community partners that UW Tacoma serves. Her work created opportunities for meaningful interactions among students, faculty, staff and community members in service of a more vibrant and inclusive campus culture.

Distinguished Staff Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Lalitha Subramanian (she/her), Program Management Director, Continuum College

Lalitha has helped to measurably expand accessibility across the college. Her colleagues credit her expertise, gained over 20 years of experience, for helping to make everything from the unit’s websites to its online coursework more equitable and accessible. Her outstanding work and leadership has enabled the college to evolve its educational offerings, adopt new technologies with accessibility standards, and design learner-driven digital educational offerings that meet the needs of a dynamic global marketplace.

Distinguished Staff Award for impact: Hospitalized or Ambulatory Adults with Respiratory Viral Infections (HAARVI) Study Team

- - - - Anna Elias-Warren (she/her), Graduate Research Assistant, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW Medicine
      - Nicholas M. Franko (he/him), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Kristen Huden (she/her), Research Scientist I, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Megan Kemp (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Jennifer Logue (she/her), Manager of Program Operations, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Ariana Magedson (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Dylan McDonald (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Helen Nguyen (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Kino Watanabe (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine

- This collaborative, innovative team of research coordinators and scientists is responsible for expanding our understanding – and mitigating the impact – of the COVID pandemic. They led one of the earliest and most successful research studies on the immune response to the novel corona virus, with far-reaching impact. Their work even contributed to the development of COVID-19 antibody tests, and embodies our mission of discovery and innovation in service of healthy people and communities.

Distinguished Staff Award for innovation: Michele Park (she/they), Registered Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Washington Medical Center

Michelle is a leader who supports the NICU healthcare team with innovative solutions that help the department be more efficient and accessible. She not only developed the NICU webpage into a rich resource for staff, but also restructured her discharge coordinator role to more smoothly and successfully discharge premature infants. This invaluable service to patients and families, during one of the most important and often stressful times of their lives, reflects her deep commitment to patient care.

David B. Thorud Leadership Award (faculty): Angad Singh (he/him), Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, UW Medicine

Angad has earned the deep admiration of his colleagues for his creativity, skill, persistence and compassion, both as a caregiver and for his problem-solving approach to every hurdle. Faced with the challenge of a complex electronic medical record system, he didn’t just learn the system, he became an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in Biomedical Informatics and Medical education, and now teaches others to become experts in this critical information infrastructure to better serve patients’ needs.

David B. Thorud Leadership Award (staff): LeAnne Wiles (she/her), Executive Director, First Year Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Student Academic Services, Undergraduate Academic Affairs

LeAnne’s colleagues praise her sense of personal responsibility to her students, describing her as an outstanding example of leadership, professionalism and commitment – the kind of person who makes the UW a great place to work. Through her leadership of First Year Programs, she has had enormous impact on the first-year experiences of countless Huskies, engaging partners across every unit to create a stellar first year experience for over 7,000 students every year.

Distinguished Librarian Award: Anne-Marie Davis (she/her), Collections Coordinator, Odegaard Undergraduate Library, and Anthropology Liaison Librarian, University Libraries

Anne-Marie’s colleagues describe her as the epitome of a superb librarian, and they are deeply grateful for the breadth and depth of her knowledge and skills. She is a brilliant and resourceful partner to classroom instructors, helping to secure vital teaching and learning materials with ingenuity and enthusiasm. Her deep expertise, collaborative approach and support for faculty has contributed immeasurably to the success of both researchers and students, as well as the UW’s public mission.

Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award: Louise W. Little (she/her), ’81, English and Psychology; Chief Executive Officer, University Bookstore (retired)

Louise’ legacy at the UW is exceptional, and deeply rooted. From her earliest days as a student employee, to eventually serving as book store’s CEO for the last decade, her 42-year career has embodied the values and principles of alumni advocacy and engagement. She has been instrumental in the development of the Welcome Center vision, and has made invaluable contributions to the broader UW community and in support of UW students.

Distinguished Retiree Excellence in Community Service Award: Sharon L. Thayer (she/her), Social Worker, Harborview Medical Center (retired)

After nearly 30 years of service as a social worker at Harborview Medical Center, Sharon Thayer has dedicated countless volunteer hours in her retirement to the UW Medicine Comfort Care Quilt Program, providing custom-made, lovingly crafted quilts for UW Medicine patients receiving end-of-life treatment. These beautiful creations provide comfort to patients and their families at a difficult time, and Sharon’s tireless efforts have made the program a success, and even inspired similar programs at other hospitals.

Distinguished Teaching Award: M. Aziz (they/them), Assistant Professor, American Ethnic Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

In their history classes, M helps students engage the complexities of race, gender and culture through conventional media like interviews, film and music, as well as through more unconventional media like capoeira [kaa-puh-weh-ruh] and graffiti. In their “Martial Arts and Social Justice” class, M prompts students to explore liberation movements through their intersection with karate and self-defense. Students learn not only by reading about how social movements used martial arts, but by choreographing self-defense moves that signify social justice values.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Colleen F. Craig (she/her), Teaching Professor, Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

A central theme in Colleen’s work has been unlearning her initial approaches to teaching and replacing them with evidence-based practices that scale to the large general chemistry courses she teaches. Instead of relying on long lectures when teaching large classes, Colleen has designed scaffolded learning activities and systems of support that help her students construct their own understanding of complex course material, explore new ideas and learn from their mistakes.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Alison J. Crowe (she/her), Teaching Professor, Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

Alison’s contributions to teaching excellence in her field and at the UW are many. In addition to her significant record of service and mentorship, Alison co-founded the UW’s Biology Education Research Group, which has produced studies that advance evidence-based pedagogies in biology classrooms. She also helped formalize a co-teaching practice for new assistant professors in the Department of Biology. Her teaching normalizes mistake-making as a critical part of the learning process and centers inclusive practices that have helped democratize and connect science education at the UW to social justice issues.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Raissa DeSmet (she/her), Associate Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, UW Bothell

Raissa’s distinguished teaching is characterized by an evolving pedagogical approach centered on harm reduction and care. Her interdisciplinary commitment extends to the Burke Museum, where she innovates curriculum development with anti-racist and decolonized approaches, leaving a lasting impact on students and the broader public. Her teaching fosters inclusive environments, prioritizes emotional well-being and cultivates critical inquiry.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Louisa Mackenzie (they/them or she/her), Associate Professor, Comparative History of Ideas, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

Louisa’s teaching practice centers responsiveness, compassion and collaboration. Their “high-engagement-high-feedback” assignments systematically move students toward learning goals while also allowing students to bring their whole selves to the course material and each other. Their service as vice chair of the Faculty Senate and as a member of Advisory Council to the Provost’s Future of Teaching and Learning working group is advancing their commitment to ensure the UW is as recognized for teaching as it is for research.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Emma J. Rose (she/her), Associate Professor, Culture, Arts and Communication, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma

Emma’s scholarly focus on human-centered design and inclusivity informs her student-centered approach to teaching. She co-creates rubrics with students and structures her assignments to encourage students to bring their interests, literacies and expertise into her classes. In addition to designing courses, assignments and activities that foster deep reflection and critical inquiry, Emma strongly advocates for the transformative learning experience of undergraduate research.

Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams: Digital Learning User Experience (DLUX) Project Team, UW Tacoma

- - Darcy A. Janzen (she/her), Director, Office of Digital Learning, Academic Affairs, UW Tacoma
  - Chris Lott (he/him/they), Learning Designer, Office of Digital Learning, Academic Affairs, UW Tacoma
  - Emma J. Rose (she/her), Associate Professor, Culture, Arts and Communication, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma
  - Libi Sundermann (she/her), Teaching Professor, Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma
Using a human-centered design process, the DLUX team trained undergraduate student researchers in 2023 to conduct usability studies on faculty members’ digital teaching materials. Student researchers used the UW Digital Learning Alliance’s hybrid/online learning rubric as the basis of their evaluation and provided feedback that helped faculty improve their teaching in digital environments. In addition to advancing evidence-based teaching, the collaborations strengthened engagement between students and faculty members. The team is exploring ways to scale the DLUX project to meet the needs of faculty on all three campuses.

Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams: Marine Geoscience Education, Oceanographic Discovery, Undergraduate Collaboration (GEODUC) Scholars Program Team, Seattle campus
- - Jane Dolliver (she/her), Program Manager, College of the Environment
  - Jose M. Guzman (he/him), Associate Teaching Professor, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences & Marine Biology, College of the Environment
  - Kerry-Ann Naish (she/her), Professor, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences & Marine Biology, College of the Environment
  - Mikelle Nuwer (she/her), Associate Teaching Professor, School of Oceanography, College of the Environment
  - LuAnne Thompson (she/her), Professor, School of Oceanography, College of the Environment

The GEODUC program bolsters the recruitment, retention and graduation of underrepresented groups in the marine sciences by reaching out to and mentoring community college transfer students. Each cohort of students begin the program with an immersive field experience in the summer and continue with weekly seminars throughout the academic year. This NSF-funded teaching model uses place-based learning — a powerful pedagogical approach that engages students with local issues, allowing them to advance their understanding of a topic or discipline by observing the direct impact of their work.

Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award: Shauna K. Elbers (she/her), Associate Professor, Policy Studies, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, UW Bothell

Shauna’s passion for research and addressing health disparities has inspired many of her students to pursue careers through which they can change legal, health-care and political systems that create barriers. She believes in her students and their potential — teaching them essential skills such as how to analyze data and encouraging them to join research projects that impact their own communities. One former student notes: “Dr. Elbers is an exemplary mentor, leader and sponsor. I am grateful to have had the honor and privilege to be her student.”

Excellence in Teaching Award: Carly Gray (she/her), Doctoral Candidate, Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

Carly’s colleagues in the Department of Psychology praise her leadership in the implementation of inclusive teaching practices, exemplified through the standards-based grading scheme she developed for her courses. This scheme helps shift her students’ focus from earning points to the actual learning and application of concepts. Carly also has worked to advance teaching excellence as a member of the department’s Championing Inclusive Pedagogy group, through which she helped colleagues improve the equity and inclusiveness of their courses.

Excellence in Teaching Award: Eric Villiers (he/him), Doctoral Candidate, Theatre History & Performance Studies, School of Drama, Seattle campus

Eric’s broad teaching experience includes serving as a teaching assistant in Introduction to Drama classes and as the instructor of record in online, in-person and study abroad courses. His students and peers praise his ability to facilitate rich conversations around difficult topics in the theater context. Eric’s work as a peer mentor and generous listener has helped his fellow graduate students advance their own teaching practices by meeting students where they are and encouraging them to use their personal experiences as a foundation for learning.

The Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning Award: David M. La Fazia (he/him), Lecturer, Research Scientist, School of Social Work, Seattle campus

With his commitment to inclusivity and genuine concern for students, David is a highly sought after mentor in the classroom and in the field as he inspires students to become researchers and clinical practitioners. As director of the UW Gerontology Certificate Program, David helps nurses, family members and others expand their knowledge of the aging process so they can better serve older adults. “David invests generously of himself,” one colleague writes, “and he challenges each student to stretch their learning throughout their lifetime.”

The University Faculty Lecture Award: Kate Starbird (she/her), Associate Professor, Human Centered Design & Engineering, College of Engineering, Seattle campus

Kate’s groundbreaking research has made her the leading academic and public voice on one of our most pressing societal issues – the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Her work shows how misinformation — especially that related to elections and the pandemic – erodes trust in institutions and even information itself. To address disinformation campaigns in real time, she has developed rapid response frameworks. Kate’s research and advocacy is pertinent to many global concerns including climate, public health, democracy, social justice and education. We look forward to Kate’s lecture in 2025.

Excellence in Global Engagement: Courtney Kroll (she/her), Associate Director, Study Abroad, Office of Global Affairs, UW Tacoma

With a belief in the power of cross-cultural learning and engagement, Courtney not only works to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are aware of study abroad opportunities, she secures the resources so they can participate. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, Courtney is piloting a new study abroad program for Native American students that builds on their cultural backgrounds and knowledge. Courtney’s nomination highlights her nuanced understanding of issues of equity, social justice and intersectional identities.

Marsha L. Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award: Grace John-Stewart (she/her), Professor, Global Health, Epidemiology, Medicine & Pediatrics, Seattle campus

Grace has had unparalleled success in mentoring graduate students, post-doctoral trainees, and junior faculty from around the world. Over the years, she has recruited and mentored a diverse group of 135 graduate students, many of whom have earned NIH fellowships and prestigious awards for their research. Because of her highly effective, responsive approach to mentorship, her own mentees tend to take up her style and become good mentors in their own right – which further magnifies Grace’s impact.

Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award: John R. Hess (he/him), ’72, School of Medicine; Colonel, U.S. Army Medical Corps (retired); Professor, Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, School of Medicine

Throughout his distinguished military and medical careers, John has served communities and patients tirelessly, with a particular focus on treating the critically ill. His leadership in the field of hematology has helped countless patients. He embodies our University’s mission of public service, from serving as Senior Surgeon and Clinical Director for the U.S. Public Health Services, to the Director of Health for the Government of American Samoa and in his current role as medical director of the Harborview Transfusion Service.

President’s Medal: Nathan Loutsis, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science International Security, Minors in Public Policy and Leadership

Nathan is passionate about civil service, and was recently elected to the Kenmore City Council, making him the youngest public official in King County. At the UW, he has thrived in and out of the classroom, conducting political science research, as president of the UWPD Cadet program and of the UW chapter of the Mortar Board National Honor Society, and in the Husky Marching Band. Next fall, he will pursue a Master of Public Administration degree at the Evans School.

President’s Medal: Tuan Trung Vu, Bachelor of Science in Biology: Physiology, Minors in Microbiology and Human Rights

As a transfer student from Bellevue College, Tuan developed a passion for medicine when he experienced the life-saving work of caregivers firsthand. His interest in medicine drew him to the UW where he earned a position in the Moltke Lab conducting immunology research. He even found time to participate in a study abroad program in Greece and conduct anthropological research as part of his human rights minor. After graduation, he plans to pursue medical school.

The Alumna Summa Laude Dignatus Award: Art Wolfe (he/him), ’75, Fine Arts and Art Education; Photographer, Art Wolfe, Inc.

Since leaving the UW, Art has become one of the world’s most celebrated and influential nature photographers. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including Nature’s Best Photographer of the Year, the North American Nature Photography Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Photographic Society of America’s Progress Medal and the Alfred Eisenstaedt Magazine Photography Award. To understand his impact, you only have to look at the phenomenal images he has created while photographing some of most remote and stunning parts of the globe.

He is also deeply committed to educating the next generation of photographers, leading photographic tours, teaching seminars and workshops and as an instructor for the Phase One Digital Artists Series. Art’s enormous contributions to the art world — and to expanding appreciation for the magnificent beauty and variety of our natural world — is a great public service, and we are deeply proud of all he has accomplished.