MU| N e w s
Manchester honors faculty members
North Manchester
Teacher of the Year – Jeff Beer,
associate professor of exercise science and
athletic training
Beer chairs the Department of Exercise
Science and Athletic Training and is program
director of the undergraduate athletic training
curriculum. He teaches in both undergraduate
and graduate programs while working on his
own doctorate. He is always looking for ways to strengthen student
learning and integrates the use of iPads with 3D imaging, among
other methods.
Excellence in Service – Kim Duchane,
professor of exercise science and
athletic training
In 2016-17, Duchane and his students
contributed more than 2,100 hours of
service to the campus, community and their
profession. He collaborates with faculty and
community agencies to integrate service into
the curriculum. He has served the American Cancer Society and the
Special Olympics of Wabash County, and led the Midwest District of
the Society of Health and Physical Educators.
Outstanding Scholar – Young Lee, associate
professor of mathematics and computer
science
Over the past 10 years, Lee has averaged
one article per year published in a refereed
journal. Her research focus has been on using
differential equations to model various societal
phenomena through applying epidemiological
models to study the spread of various behaviors such as the South
Korean beef protests, deliberate self-harm, gambling and the
Ebola virus.
Fort Wayne
Outstanding Service Award – Diane Calinski,
assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences
and director of pharmacogenomics operations
Calinski served as faculty representative on the
Biological Science Section of the American
Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and has peer
reviewed for several major pharmacy publications.
She co-advised the Student Personalized Medical
Coalition that increases public awareness about pharmacogenomics. She
also helped develop the Midwest Teaching Scholar Retreat , which brings
together pharmacy faculty in the region.
Teacher of the Year – Sandy Hrometz,
professor of pharmaceutical sciences
The P3 Teacher of the Year, Hrometz promotes
active learning and listening in class, providing
students with partially completed notes and
PowerPoint guides. She also finds time to meet
with students and mentor them.
Scholar of the Year – Dave Kisor,
professor of pharmaceutical sciences and
director of pharmacogenomics education
In the past year, Kisor’s work appeared in 10
publications, including eight that were peer-
reviewed. He also delivered several presentations
– two on the national stage – and he initiated
collaborations with MU faculty members and
colleagues from other institutions. Students note that Kisor spent a great
deal of time mentoring MU’s first pharmacogenomics class.
Teacher of the Year – W. Thomas Smith,
now dean of Pharmacy Programs
Smith teaches in an interactive style, encouraging
active learning and participation. The P1
Teacher of the Year, students say he is strict but
supportive and, despite a demanding schedule,
always makes time to talk with students and
answer their questions.
Teacher of the Year – Robert Beckett,
assistant professor of pharmacy practice
Beckett creates weekly goals for students
to help them stay on track. Students say
his handouts and lectures make it easy
to understand complex material. The P2
Teacher of the Year, Beckett is passionate and
approachable and employs teaching methods
that support a wide variety of students.
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