Four Dietrich School faculty members have received 2024 Chancellor's Awards in recognition of their accomplishments in public service, research, and teaching.
Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award, Senior Scholar Category
Alexander Deiters, professor in the Department of Chemistry, was recognized for his "innovative interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and biology, which aims to discover new therapeutic approaches and improve human health, in particular the microRNA pathway and phase II metabolism." His peers described him as "one of the most productive research contributors in the field" whose research program "shows both breadth and depth."
Jennifer Whiting, Distinguished Professor, Department of Philosophy, was honored for the impressive depth and range of her research in philosophy that "brings ancient philosophical thought into dialogue with modern debates on the nature of friendship and personal identity." Her colleagues described her as "an extraordinary figure in the world of ancient Greek philosophy."
Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award
Ljiljana Duraskovic, teaching professor in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, was honored for role in the development of an "innovative new course examining the contemporary cultures of Eastern Europe" as well as her leadership as the acting academic director of the Summer Language Institute. Duraskovic also serves Director of Undergraduate Studies and Advisor for Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian Studies minor, and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies.
Andrew Lotz, teaching professor, academic advisor, and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Political Science and as Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies, was recognized for his role in developing the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant program in his home department as well as for his "beloved instructional style, which has been described as innovative and collaborative."
Chancellor's Distinguished Public Service Award
Leonora Anyango, teaching professor in the Department of English, was honored for her work to address social problems through public service. Her community service work includes translating church services for East African immigrants; founding a program to pay high school fees for blind students in Kenya; and enhancing students' experiences in her seminars on composition through engagement with refugees and refugee organizations.
All awardees will be celebrated at the University's Faculty Honors Convocation on Friday, April 3.