{"id":90441,"date":"2026-05-21T13:26:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T17:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/?p=90441"},"modified":"2026-05-21T13:26:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T17:26:23","slug":"2026-cas-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/2026-cas-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 CAS Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>We are pleased to announce the many awards and prizes that faculty, staff, and students in the College and Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences have received this year.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>These awards acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous work and achievements of our faculty and staff this year.<\/p>\n<h4>2026 Boston University Awards<\/h4>\n<p><em>These awards acknowledge and celebrate the work and achievements of our faculty and staff at the University level.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 John S. Perkins Award<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/KateKotlyar-Headshots-04.17.2026-28_squarecrop-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90677 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/KateKotlyar-Headshots-04.17.2026-28_squarecrop-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/KateKotlyar-Headshots-04.17.2026-28_squarecrop-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/KateKotlyar-Headshots-04.17.2026-28_squarecrop-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/KateKotlyar-Headshots-04.17.2026-28_squarecrop-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Caitlin \u201cCady\u201d Steinberg (CAS\u201912, Wheelock\u201918), Administrative Manager\u00a0for History and African American &amp; Black<br \/>\nDiaspora Studies, was awarded the 2026 John S. Perkins Award. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr style=\"color: #e31936;\" \/>\n<h4>2026 CAS Faculty Teaching and Advising Awards<\/h4>\n<p>The following awards are for distinctive excellence, including but not limited to outstanding success in the classroom. They recognize and reward teaching in its broadest sense and in all of its aspects, from curriculum development and innovative pedagogies, to mentoring of individual students as scholars and\/or teachers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Gitner Award for Distinguished Teaching<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Philip Nelson Haberkern, Associate Professor, Department of History<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Unknown-2-600x600-1-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90679 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Unknown-2-600x600-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Unknown-2-600x600-1-320x320.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Unknown-2-600x600-1-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Unknown-2-600x600-1.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Professor Haberkern\u2019s colleagues in the departments of history and religion<br \/>\ndescribe him as \u201cone of the most innovative, effective, and beloved teachers on our campus.\u201d His signature course, &#8220;Game of Thrones: Power and Politics in Pre-Modern Europe,&#8221; is among the most popular in the College and a model for how to connect students to worlds they might otherwise find remote. One of his students writes, \u201cThe class is so fun, and his passion is so infectious, it makes you ridiculously engaged with the actual history.\u201d He is a go-to expert for faculty and graduate teaching fellows alike, leading pedagogy workshops and sharing advice on everything from course design and grading to cultivating creativity and handling difficult moments in the classroom. For his inspired teaching, curricular innovations, and work in the service of others, the College honors him with this award.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Neu Family Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Daniel G. Erker, Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/daniel_erker_2-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90680 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/daniel_erker_2-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/daniel_erker_2-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/daniel_erker_2-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/daniel_erker_2-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Whether Professor Erker is teaching about advanced quantitative statistics or the linguistic structure of Spanish, his courses are invariably robustly enrolled\u2014and with good reason. His students rave about his teaching, writing things like \u201cLOVED IT\u201d, \u201cbest class ever\u201d, and \u201cProfessor Erker is&#8230; able to capture your attention, even if you don\u2019t want [him] to!\u201d His pedagogical innovations have refreshed and enriched the linguistics curriculum, particularly through his quantitative linguistics curriculum and his project-based sociolinguistics course, where undergraduate and graduate students work together to design and execute original research projects. The first cohort of doctoral students in the Department of Linguistics created their own trophy to recognize him, as there is no standard internal teaching award in the Department. For his commitment to his students, his passion for his subject, and his transformative pedagogical innovations, the College honors him with this award.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Frank and Lynne Wisneski Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>James Feigenbaum, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/feigenbaum_2018-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90681 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/feigenbaum_2018-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/feigenbaum_2018-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/feigenbaum_2018-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/feigenbaum_2018-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A hallmark of Professor Feigenbaum\u2019s teaching is his commitment to introducing students to current research in the field, even at the undergraduate level. His students celebrate him as a devoted teacher and mentor who makes complex material accessible and cares deeply about his students. One student writes that he is \u201cbrilliant, very qualified, and clearly passionate about what he teaches\u201d. Another shares \u201cLOVE THIS CLASS&#8230; The material is SO interesting and so incredibly relevant&#8230; I would teach what I learned to anybody who would listen.\u201d He is in high demand as a PhD adviser, and has directed dissertations for, or served on the committees of, twenty-two PhD students. All three of his current doctoral PhDs were among his nominators for this award, praising his scholarly guidance and personal support. For his excellence in teaching, the College honors him with this award.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 CAS Award for Distinction in First-Year Undergraduate Education<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The Distinction in First Year Undergraduate Education, reflects the crucial importance of supporting our students\u2019 transitions from high school, and enabling them to lay strong academic foundations for deeply engaged learning and high achievement throughout their college careers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jessica L. Bozek, Master Lecturer in the Writing Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/jbozek-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90683 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/jbozek-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/jbozek-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/jbozek-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/jbozek-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Jessica\u2019s first-year writing seminars on such topics as documentary poetry, political poetry, race, and attention are ambitious, creative and humane. One of her first-year students wrote that \u201cbeing able to hear from so many perspectives and different understandings of the world was really powerful and really had an impact on the way that I was perceiving what we were discussing.\u201d Beyond her first-year teaching, she develops innovative pedagogy for the Writing Program. Most recently, she co-developed a Community Writing course in which students prepare for, teach, and participate in a six-week Life Writing class alongside seniors at the Brookline Senior Center. She guides her students to see themselves as participants in larger public conversations. For her extraordinary contributions to first-year undergraduate teaching, the College honors her with this award.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Dean\u2019s Awards for Excellence in Graduate Education<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>With the Dean\u2019s Award for Excellence in Graduate Education, we recognize a member of our faculty whose commitment and contributions to graduate teaching, mentoring and\/or program development have significantly raised the quality and impact of post-baccalaureate training in their disciplinary or interdisciplinary fields.<br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>Rosella M. Cappella Zielinski, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled1-e1486131910693-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90684 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled1-e1486131910693-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled1-e1486131910693-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Professor Capella Zielinski was nominated for this award not just by her department chair, who describes her as \u201ca linchpin of our PhD program\u201d, but also by over a dozen political science graduate students, who laud her as \u201ca wonderful, committed educator who has built a supportive culture of learning in our department as a classroom instructor, as Director of Graduate Studies, and as an advisor and mentor to many students.\u201d She cares about the personal wellbeing of her department\u2019s graduate students as much as she cares about their professional development, because for her, they are inseparable. Through inventive course design that centers students\u2019 own research aims to starting a series of professional development workshops, she strives to help graduate students grow as scholars and individuals. She is now overseeing a new team-taught pedagogy seminar that prepares PhD students to teach independently and has been working to bring this course to other departments. For all the ways she helps graduate students thrive, the College honors her with this award.<\/p>\n<p><b><\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Dean\u2019s Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>With the Dean\u2019s Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching, we honor the very important contributions of a part-time colleague to the educational mission of the College.<br \/>\n<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Liam J. Meyer, Lecturer, Writing Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Meyer is a talented and dedicated educator widely admired for his quiet kindness, professionalism, and creativity as a teacher and colleague. In his writing seminars, he puts Shakespearean texts into contexts and conversations that bridge cultural and linguistic differences. This intentional approach has encouraged students to grow as thinkers, researchers, and communicators. He is also a former consultant in the program\u2019s Writing Center, and he frequently recommends his own students as peer consultants. His students thus continue his legacy of offering thoughtful and sensitive feedback to those who seek their help. For his exceptional contributions to the Writing Program and his unwavering commitment to offering outstanding learning experiences to generations of Boston University students, the College honors Dr. Myer with this award.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Templeton Awards for Excellence in Student Advising and Mentoring<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The Templeton Awards showcase CAS advising at its best. Steve Jarvi\u2019s annual call for nominations from graduating seniors helps identify what students need, what they value, and how skilled and dedicated faculty advisors have made a positive difference in their lives. Recognizing that effective \u201cadvising\u201d is not limited to just the formal role of an academic advisor, the College emphasized the value of mentorship when soliciting nominations for the advising awards from the class of 2023.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Yoon Sun Yang, Associate Professor, World Languages &amp; Literatures<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun SCXW55775610 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW55775610 BCX0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Profile-Picture-2022-Yoon-Sun-Yang-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-90694 size-thumbnail alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Profile-Picture-2022-Yoon-Sun-Yang-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Profile-Picture-2022-Yoon-Sun-Yang-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Profile-Picture-2022-Yoon-Sun-Yang-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Profile-Picture-2022-Yoon-Sun-Yang-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Academic advising can be especially effective and rewarding when it is a long term endeavor and that is certainly the case for one Yoon Sun\u2019s nominators who first made contact as a high school senior. The nominator mentioned that \u201cI had no experience with the Korean language and had not even heard of Comparative Literature until I started looking into colleges. When I emailed Professor Yang as an admitted student, she offered to schedule a zoom meeting with me and go over the major requirements and the classes I should take before course registration in the summer. \u00a0From that point on, Professor Yang has been my advisor and one of my biggest supporters at Boston University. Currently I am writing my senior honors thesis with Professor Yang, and while I am stressed out under the weight of her expectations, I know they are only this high and heavy because she truly believes I am capable of meeting and exceeding them.\u201d<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun SCXW55775610 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW55775610 BCX0\">Yoon Sun\u2019s experience with this student is what makes faculty advising special. As the University works to expand the ranks of professional advisors, a decision I agree with, I encourage departments to explore ways that will encourage students to forge meaningful relationships with Faculty beyond the classroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lucia Pastorino, Master Lecturer, Neuroscience<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-90695 size-thumbnail alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-636x636.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-1022x1024.png 1022w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-755x756.png 755w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-320x320.png 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-620x621.png 620w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Untitled-31.png 1338w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>One of Lucia\u2019s nominators stated that \u201cShe has made me feel supported and helped me get everything I need for class registration and graduation requirements. I have been very stressed about getting the courses, but she has been great at helping me navigate it all.\u201c\u00a0 Another added that Dr. Pastorino is \u201cexceptionally organized, incredibly supportive, and always reliable. I have never had to second-guess my graduation requirements because I trust that she has everything under control, and she has always<br \/>\nguided me correctly. Beyond being outstanding at her job, she is also genuinely a pleasure to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Todd Idson, Master Lecturer, Economics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Idson-Todd.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"102\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-90696 size-full alignleft\" \/>One of Todd\u2019s nominators stated that \u201cProfessor Idson has been incredibly supportive in my academic development. In particular, he took the time to understand my background and goals, and generously wrote me a detailed and thoughtful recommendation letter for my graduate applications. His guidance and encouragement during that process meant a great deal to me and gave me more confidence in my academic path.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Although that sometimes means saying no to a student, Todd always takes his responsibility seriously and carefully considers every petition, exception and special request and that ability to treat each student individually, despite being an especially large department, is just another reason that Todd is deserving of this recognition.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Outstanding Service Awards for Staff<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Scott Enos, Business Manager for the Department of Psychological &amp; Brain Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Outstanding-Service-Scott-Enos-Headshot-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-90708 alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Outstanding-Service-Scott-Enos-Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Outstanding-Service-Scott-Enos-Headshot-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Research administration requires careful attention to detail, deep familiarity with sponsor requirements, and the ability to guide faculty and staff through complex regulatory processes. Scott approaches all of this with consistency and integrity. Scott actively supports and develops his team, creating an environment where staff feel empowered to ask questions, cross-train, solve problems, and build their expertise. Scott\u2019s steady leadership ensures that the department operates efficiently even during high-pressure periods such as proposal deadlines, contract negotiations and the current political climate. [Scott\u2019s] expertise extends beyond the boundaries of the department as faculty and staff from across the University regularly seek Scott\u2019s guidance. Scott listens carefully helps break down administrative silos reduces administrative burden for faculty and staff seeks input from Scott\u2019s team before implementing changes builds trust to promote a sense of collective ownership over improvements and contributes to a culture of learning and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kimberly Huskins, IED Administrative Manager for the Institute for Economic Development in the Department of Economics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Kimberly-headshot-2-1-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90692 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Kimberly-headshot-2-1-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Kimberly-headshot-2-1-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Kimberly-headshot-2-1-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Kimberly-headshot-2-1-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Kimberly has been nothing less than a force of nature for the Institute and its dual mission of fostering and disseminating cutting-edge research in developmental economics and related fields; and servicing the Economic Department\u2019s graduate programs, current-student support, and alumni outreach. Kimberly navigates all aspects of her job with skill, initiative, and incredible cheer. Whether patiently explaining the arcana of university budgeting to a newbie Director, helping a fallen photographer who has tripped over a video cable at a distinguished lecture event, or staying late before her long drive home when a conference runs overtime, she does everything with a smile. Her contributions have been particularly critical during periods of significant organizational strain, including an abrupt leadership transition. Yet, Kimberly ensured continuity of operations across all Institute activities and has been incredibly professional, supportive, and empathetic&#8230;setting the bar high for what it means to be a compassionate and helpful team member. She exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional staff member.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Audrey Kurtz, Senior Staff Assistant, Writing Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As the front-desk face of the Writing Program, Audrey handles a wide range of clerical, communications, and administrative competencies with remarkable confidence. These often-invisible efforts help the Writing Program function smoothly day after day, enhancing the experience of the thousands of students enrolled in Writing courses each semester. Audrey communicates with clarity and professionalism\u2014and also with warmth, approaching students not simply as tasks to manage but as people who deserve care. Audrey performs their responsibilities at an outstanding level while also strengthening the relationships that help the Writing Program and the wider Boston University community thrive. Audrey helped publish a revitalized faculty newsletter and administered a successful Celebration of Multilingual Writing event that was attended by hundreds of students and the broader BU community. The event was a success because Audrey handled all the difficult work behind the scenes, keeping everything organized and making sure everyone felt like they belonged. This is not just administrative work, it is how you build a real community. Audrey\u2019s work is often quiet and behind the scenes, but it is exactly what makes our campus stronger.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr style=\"color: #e31936;\" \/>\n<h4>Susan K. Jackson Awards<\/h4>\n<p>The Susan K. Jackson Award honors the late Susan K. Jackson, who served as a professor and administrator in the College for over 30 years. The awardees embody her spirit in their dedication to helping others and nurturing community in CAS.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 Susan K. Jackson Award Recipients<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Michaela McSweeney, Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Philosophy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90697 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-636x636.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-755x755.jpg 755w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-620x620.jpg 620w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/McSweeney-Michaela.jpg 790w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>As one nominator put it, Michaela has \u201caltered students\u2019 trajectories, protected vulnerable members of the community, strengthened institutional mechanisms for accountability, and consistently made herself available where she was most needed.\u201d Serving as Associate Chair, organizing graduate student town halls, chairing scholarship and hiring committees, and establishing the department\u2019s Helpful Interpersonal Point Person (HIPPO) are just a few examples of the ways Michaela has contributed to the Department of Philosophy\u2019s welcoming and intellectually vibrant community. Nominators noted Michaela\u2019s energetic and compassionate mentorship as \u201ctransformative.\u201d Her students feel genuinely recognized and supported, both academically and personally.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jessica Martin, PhD candidate in Biological Anthropology<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Jessica-110_final-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90698 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Jessica-110_final-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Jessica-110_final-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Jessica-110_final-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Jessica-110_final-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Jessica was selected in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community building and mentorship within and beyond the CAS community. As one nominator noted, \u201cJessica demonstrates a remarkable capacity to connect individuals across institutional, generational, and cultural boundaries. She<br \/>\nfacilitates Boston Public School students\u2019 participation in CAS classrooms and laboratories; supports graduates, undergraduates, and high school trainees as they develop as scientists; and establishes mentoring networks that persist well beyond the duration of formal programs.\u201d Jessica is unable to attend today\u2019s ceremony as she is currently in South Africa, engaged in fieldwork, fostering partnerships with North-West University colleagues, and supervising a BU undergraduate during their initial field experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grace Hymel, Assistant Director of the CAS Experiential Learning Connector<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Grace-Hymel-headshot-1-683x1024-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90699 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Grace-Hymel-headshot-1-683x1024-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Grace-Hymel-headshot-1-683x1024-1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Grace has engaged undergraduate students from all divisions within CAS in the EL Connector\u2019s community through initiatives such as tabling, workshops, r\u00e9sum\u00e9 reviews, site visits, internship courses, summer internship scholarships, and related programs. As a result, undergraduate awareness of the Connector and its services have increased substantially. She leads a team of undergraduate peer mentors, with one describing Grace as \u201cembodying the kind of leadership that transforms a workplace into a true community.\u201d Grace\u2019s mentorship produces a multiplier effect throughout the College: undergraduate peer mentors model her example and apply these practices in their own mentoring and consultations with peers.<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Josephine Perl (CAS\u201926), Philosophy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr style=\"color: #e31936;\" \/>\n<h4>2026 I.D.E.A.L. Awards<\/h4>\n<p><span>We are thrilled to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the CAS Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Leadership (IDEAL) awards. These awards celebrate the impactful efforts of individuals and groups whose contributions exemplify recognizing and responding to inequity, exclusion, and marginalization through thoughtful and innovative approaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 I.D.E.A.L. Award Recipients<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Benjamin Sovacool, Professor of Earth &amp; Environment and Director of the Institute for Global Studies<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Benjamin-Sovacool_thumb-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90701 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Benjamin-Sovacool_thumb-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Benjamin-Sovacool_thumb-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Benjamin-Sovacool_thumb-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/Benjamin-Sovacool_thumb.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Professor Sovacool is known on campus for his Global Energy Justice course, which creates a space for students to engage with complex questions of energy, climate policy, and social justice from diverse global perspectives. He is also deeply committed to individualized mentoring, offering steady and consistent support to students as they navigate both academic and personal challenges. As one nominator shared, \u201cYet what distinguishes him most is his humility and unwavering dedication to those around him. He does not treat these recognitions as endpoints, but rather as motivation to continue contributing fully to his students, colleagues, and institution each day.\u201d His work in energy and climate justice is widely respected, including honors such as the USERN Prize and election as a Fellow of the UK Academy of Social Sciences, and his leadership consistently reflects a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>\u00a0C Vega, Administrative Coordinator in the Core Curriculum<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/c-vega_headshot_001-copy-4-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90702 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/c-vega_headshot_001-copy-4-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/c-vega_headshot_001-copy-4-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/c-vega_headshot_001-copy-4-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/c-vega_headshot_001-copy-4-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"color: #000000;\">As a former Core student themself, C brings a deeply personal and student centered perspective to their work, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. As one nominator kindly shared, C has \u201cbrought immense joy, enthusiasm, and community to the office\u201d, consistently advancing inclusive practices in everything from student communication to scheduling and alumni outreach. They go on to say that \u201cC puts the \u2018C\u2019 in Core\u201d. C also strengthens the CAS community by teaching the First-Year Experience course, where students consistently praise them for creating a strong sense of belonging and engagement, describing them as an inspiring and supportive presence. Through their leadership, service, and care for students, C exemplifies what it means to build an inclusive academic community.<\/div>\n<p><strong>Liza Sulkin, PhD Student, Linguistics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/liza_sulkin-600x600-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-90703 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/liza_sulkin-600x600-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/liza_sulkin-600x600-1-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/liza_sulkin-600x600-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2026\/05\/liza_sulkin-600x600-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Liza Sulkin\u2019s scholarly work focuses on the speech of lesbian, bisexual and straight women, addressing major gaps in linguistic research and bringing visibility to historically underrepresented populations. Her findings on queer women\u2019s speech patterns represent a groundbreaking contribution to the field.<br \/>\nAnother example of her commitment to inclusion and equity is through her role as Secretary of the BU chapter of Out in STEM (oSTEM), where she fosters connection and support for LGBTQIA+ students across disciplines. She has also made substantial contributions to the CAS community as a Teaching Fellow, in which she is recognized for her deep commitment to student support and inclusive learning, consistently going above and beyond to create an accessible learning environment for all students to thrive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Undergraduate senior in Psychology, Ravienne Hodgson<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h4>2026 College Prize Awards<\/h4>\n<p>The College Prizes recognize members of the Class of 2026 who have made extraordinary contributions to their departments and programs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">2026 College Prize Awards<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>African American and Black Diaspora Studies &#8212;<strong> Charlot Valerio<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>American Studies &#8212; <strong>HB Bielawa<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Anthropology &#8212;<strong> Poppy Livingstone<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Archaeology &#8212;<strong> Jessica Buckley<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Architectural Studies &#8212;<strong> Bowen Supple<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Astronomy &#8212; <strong>Zhihao Cheng<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Biochemistry and Molecular Biology &#8212; <strong>Sarah Kornfeld<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Biology &#8212; <strong>Maria Jezabel Lopez Gil<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Chemistry &#8212; <strong>Arnon Ronsiri<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cinema and Media Studies &#8212; <strong>William Vail<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Classical Studies &#8212; <strong>Henry Chuang<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Computer Science &#8212; <strong>Mutiraj Laksanawisit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Earth &amp; Environment &#8212; <strong>Logan Dev Rajah<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Economics &#8212; <strong>You (Ellie) Wang<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>English &#8212; <strong>Ellen Moth<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>History &#8212; <strong>Riley Minns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>History of Art &amp; Architecture &#8212;<strong> Caitlyn Bains<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Linguistics &#8212;<strong> Joshua Roberts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Marine Science &#8212; <strong>Hanna Busby<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mathematics &amp; Statistics &#8212; <strong>Olivia Hu<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Medical Sciences &#8212; <strong>Briana Le<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Neuroscience &#8212; <strong>Shaoning Peng<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Philosophy &#8212;<strong> Josephine Perl<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Physics &#8212; <strong>Hsin-Yuan Wang<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Political Science &#8212; <strong>Bana Conde<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Psychological &amp; Brain Sciences &#8212;<strong> Salwa Jaller Chagui<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Religion &#8212; <strong>Shengyi Huang<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Romance Studies &#8212; <strong>Victoria Erdman<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sociology &#8212; <strong>Zoe Solberg<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>World Languages &amp; Literatures &#8212; <strong>John Osmond<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h4>Alumni Awards for Writing Excellence<\/h4>\n<p>The College recognizes the following winners of the Alumni Awards for Writing Excellence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h6 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Alumni Awards for Writing Excellence<\/h6><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Award for Writing Excellence in the Humanities in Honor of Robert E. Charm<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Author: Juliet Feldman<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gregory Hudson Award for Writing Excellence in the Humanities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Author: Leila Elayan<\/p>\n<p><strong>Michael A. Sassano III and Christopher M. Sassano Award for Writing Excellence in the Social Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Author: Joseph Raymond<\/p>\n<p><strong>Francis Bacon Award for Writing Excellence in the Natural Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Author: Aidan Kieffer<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alumni Award for Writing Excellence in Mathematics &amp; Computational Sciences<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Author: Reetom Gangopadhyay<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We are pleased to announce the many awards and prizes that faculty, staff, and students in the College and Graduate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21329,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8,1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90441"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21329"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90441"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":90767,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90441\/revisions\/90767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}