Awards and Accolades

President Suresh Garimella elected to National Academy of Engineering

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions awarded to engineers. The academy announced its 2025 class on Feb. 11, naming 128 new U.S.-based and 22 international members.

Garimella was recognized by the academy for "contributions to microscale heat and mass transport, academic leadership and service to the nation." He joins a distinguished group of engineers whose innovations and leadership have had profound impacts on research, industry and society.

Garimella, who became the university's 23rd president in October, is also a University Distinguished Professor. He has co-authored more than 625 research publications and holds 16 issued patents.

The National Academy of Engineering is an independent nonprofit with a mission of promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.

Garimella and the other newly elected members will be formally introduced during the academy's annual meeting on Oct. 5. Read more about the honor in a story on the university's news website.

Robert Stephan wins undergraduate teaching award

Robert Stephan, associate professor of practice in the Department of Religious Studies and Classics and associate dean for academic affairs for the W.A. Franke Honors College, has won the Archaeological Institute of America's 2025 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.

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The award, presented at the AIA's annual meeting in January, recognizes excellence in the teaching of archaeology, innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary curricula.

Stephan has been with the university since 2016 and focuses his research on how the material remains of the past can inform us about the economic performance of ancient societies. His teaching incorporates digital technologies such as video games and virtual reality to enhance student engagement.

The Archaeological Institute of America supports archaeologists and their research and works to promote the public understanding of archaeology.

Read more about Stephan's award and work in a story on the College of Humanities website.

Two from U of A named senior members of National Academy of Inventors

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The National Academy of Inventors has named Jennifer Barton, professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and director of the BIO5 Institute, and Euan McLeod, associate professor in the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, as members of its 2025 class of senior members.

The designation of senior member honors active faculty members, scientists and administrators who have success in producing, patenting, licensing or commercializing innovative technologies while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors.

Barton holds eight patents, including one for a tiny medical camera designed to detect signs of early-stage ovarian cancer in the female reproductive system. McLeod holds seven patents, including technology that enables lens-free holographic imaging of nanoparticles, viruses and biomarkers.

Barton, McLeod and other members of the 2025 class will be inducted during the NAI's annual conference in June.

Read more about Barton's and McLeod's work in a story on the Tech Launch Arizona website.

U of A faculty and staff recognized with presidential honors

Five University of Arizona employees have been recognized with some of the nation's highest honors for their contributions to science, education and mentorship. The prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring; and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers highlight the honorees' and the university's commitment to fostering excellence in teaching, research and community impact. The awards were announced in January.

The university's honorees are below.

• Paloma Beamer, Professor, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, and Director, WEST Environmental Justice Center | Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
• Gurtina Besla, Professor, Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory | Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
• Ariel Beggs, Program Coordinator, Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers | Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
• Rodrigo Gutierrez, Co-Director, Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers | Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
• Kaitlin Kratter, Professor, Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory | Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

Learn more about the honorees and their work in a story on the university's news website.