The event, held at the Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette, recognized 93 Purdue professors in 23 categories of awards. Honorees received a glass apple and an engraved plaque denoting their achievement.

“The range of these awards underscores the high caliber of instruction across Purdue,” said David Umulis, senior vice provost Purdue University for Indianapolis. “I’m proud of the innovative teaching practices and collaborative spirit shown by our faculty honorees and am pleased that they are receiving university-wide recognition.”

Purdue’s dedication to experiential, inclusive learning and real-world applications provides the foundation for faculty to create bold, student-centered learning opportunities, he said.

“These awards reflect the meaningful impact that Purdue faculty have on student success,” Umulis said.  

Teaching Leadership Award

Sharon Miller, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering

Sharon Miller was honored to be selected as a Teaching Leadership Award recipient for her instruction in biomedical engineering.

“To me, this award demonstrates Purdue’s support for teaching discussions at the departmental level,” said Miller, assistant vice provost for Purdue in Indianapolis and associate professor of engineering practice. “This award specifically supports a BME design teaching circle, where lead teaching assistants, lab coordinators and course instructors have a monthly opportunity to discuss best practices in BME design instruction.”

Regarding the undergraduate biomedical engineering program, which spans two locations, Miller said, “We strive to identify ways to deliver high-quality design experiences to all our students.”

Most Distinguished Faculty for Research

Rachel Surowiec, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering

Rachel Surowiec, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, was awarded Most Distinguished Faculty for Research through a vote by Purdue students.

The award is given to one faculty member each year across the Purdue system whose mentorship and teaching through research has meaningfully inspired students, helping them find their voice, their purpose or even their future path.

“I love research,” said Surowiec, who runs the Quantitative Biomedical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab in Indianapolis. “I love the process, the discovery and also that it is a place where I can make a meaningful impact in mentorship.”

Surowiec aims to lead students to find their own love of research through mentorship. “Bringing someone into the lab, watching that ‘aha’ moment happen and then supporting them as they grow into confident researchers and professionals is one of the best parts of what I get to do at Purdue,” she said. “Being recognized for that by the students themselves is one of the most meaningful honors of my career.”