Faculty honored for research, teaching and service

University of Michigan-Dearborn faculty members will be recognized for their teaching, research and service at the 30^th annual Honor Scholars and Faculty Awards Dinner on March 27.

• Narasimhamurthi “Nattu” Natarajan, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering: Distinguished Teaching Award – Tenured Category
• Jorge Gonzalez del Pozo, assistant professor of Spanish: Distinguished Teaching Award – Non-tenured Category
• Gail McCracken, lecturer in accounting and finance: Distinguished Teaching Award – Lecturer Category
• Mitchel Sollenberger, assistant professor of political science: Distinguished Research Award
• Dohoy Jung, assistant professor of mechanical engineering: Distinguished Research Award
• Lora Lempert, professor of sociology: Distinguished Service Award
• Orin Gelderloos, professor of biology and environmental studies: Eugene Arden Interdisciplinary Research/Teaching Award

Natarajan has taught within the electrical and computer engineering programs since 1986. With a passion for teaching, he has developed innovative educational pedagogy that involves cultivation of inventive use of computers in the class, integration of state-of-the-art technologies in the curriculum and promotion of science and engineering through extracurricular activities.

“He has championed for the student cause and volunteered his time far beyond his duty as faculty,” said Dongming Zhao, professor of electrical and computer engineering. “His effort has helped and influenced hundreds of students in their technical training and professional career development.”

In 2002, Natarajan founded the Intelligent System Club as a way to guide students in engineering design projects and coach them to put knowledge from books into practice. His teams have participated in regional and national competitions, earning recognitions and placing UM-Dearborn on the map of engineering education.

“Professor Natarajan’s mentorship exceeds far beyond the boundaries of the physical classroom,” said former student Kristopher Bechamp. “To Professor Natarajan, the classroom is wherever knowledge can be found.”

Gonzalez del Pozo joined the Language, Culture and Communications Department in 2007. In his relatively short time with the University, he has redesigned seven courses within the Spanish major. A visual media and film specialist, he brings innovative ideas and technical expertise to the classroom.

“Professor Gonzalez’s methodology creates a space where students are brought to construct their own ideas and to realize that they understand far more about the topic or concept than originally thought,” said former student Joseph Stonchus. “all the while, they are treated with a respect and a courtesy that affords them a state as equals in the classroom without ever blurring the line between student and instructor.”

Currently, Gonzalez del Pozo is working to create a new summer abroad program for students of Spanish with University of Valladolid (Spain).

“Jorge is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who inspires confidence and ease among his students, qualities he himself possesses. He is always available and eager to help his students, not to mention his colleagues,” said Stephane Spoiden, professor of French.

“I cannot think of a better model for our students. The Spanish program has greatly benefited from Jorge’s involvement and dedication.”

McCracken has served as instructor and administrator, teaching business law and accounting courses since joining the College of Business faculty in 1985. She was an early-adapter of online teaching, developing courses for the College’s online graduate programs.

A dedicated teacher, she has become a mentor for students during their time at the University and after as they sought her counsel on career questions.

“She has the innate ability to make her students think beyond what is written in the textbook or what is outlined in the syllabus,” said former student Mariana Rojas Carvajal. “Her lectures are full of energy and meaningful discussions, in which the students are active and willing participants.”

Outside of the classroom, McCracken has given time to her community and her profession. She serves as mediator for the 36^th and 21^st District Courts, truancy mediator for the Wayne-Westland School District, coordinator of an accounting symposium for high school students and teachers and served as president of the Midwest Association of Legal Studies.

“Gail has developed into a proven asset for the University of Michigan-Dearborn, College of Business, and the Department of Accounting and Finance,” said the nominating letter. “Gail is an example of a highly accomplished alumnus and faculty member for all of our students to see and follow.”

Sollenberger is recognized for his research in public law and the presidency. Since his arrival at UM-Dearborn in 2008, he has produced three books, six academic articles, four book chapters and 12 pieces for political publications.

His most recent book, The President’s Czars: Undermining Congress and the Constitution, will be published in April.

“Sollenberger’s impressive body of published work, exhibiting a very high standard of excellence, has established him as one of the key scholars in his field,” said Ronald Stockton, professor of political science. “His writings address some of the most controversial issues of public debate, taking him beyond the intellectual concerns of the academy into an area of informed discourse.”

Sollenberger plans to continue the study of the judicial appointment process and extend his executive privilege work to include its use by governors.

Jung joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2008. Since that time, his research has focused on thermal and fluid sciences and their applications to advanced energy conversion.

Applications include internal combustion engine processes and systems, hybrid powertrain systems, PEM fuel cell systems, vehicle thermal management and solar energy systems.

“Dr. Jung is an outstanding researcher that has proven his talent through individual and team research efforts,” said Zoran Filipi of Clemson University. “He has demonstrated continuous growth and the ability to recognize research topics critical for advancing the automotive area.”

Jung’s research sponsors have included National Science Foundation, US Department of Energy, US Army TARDEC, Ford Motor Company and Hyundai-Kia Motor Company.

Lempert was nominated for her work to develop and grow the college courses offered first at Scott Correctional Facility and now at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility and the Inside-Out Prison Exchange program at Ryan Correctional Facility for Men.

Lempert began her service to Scott Correctional Facility in 1997, co-sponsoring the National Lifers Association chapter under the auspices of the American Friends Service Committee . Her goals were two-fold: expose incarcerated women to the wealth of knowledge and resources available beyond the prison walls and give a face and voice to women who were often invisible and silenced.

During the 2002-2003 academic year, Lempert co-taught the first college-level course inside the prison, Understanding Women, with Drs. Bergeron, Linker, and Luthra. The program has expanded significantly during the last decade. Now, three to four courses are offered each year by professors with varying teaching and research specialties, including faculty from Eastern Michigan University.

“It would be impossible to detail for you the obstacles she faced in getting this off the ground,” said Patricia Caruso, former director of Michigan Department of Corrections. “From an absolute prohibition on any MDOC dollars being involved, to complicated schedule and security adjustments, to staff distrust, this became a huge undertaking.”

In 2007, Lempert began the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Class, a semester-long class at Ryan Correctional Facility with fifteen UM-Dearborn students and fifteen incarcerated students. Funding for that program began with a $5,000 award from the AAUWto the women’s college program.

“Professor Lora Bex Lempert’s efforts could be described in a number of ways – herculean, bold, inspiring, dedicated,” said James Gruber, professor of sociology, in the nominating letter. “But we believe that the word which best captures the sustained impact of her work on everyone it touches is transformative.”

Gelderloos is the recipient of the inaugural Eugene Arden Interdisciplinary Research/Teaching Award.  Named after UM-Dearborn's first chief academic officer, the Eugene Arden Interdisciplinary Research/Teaching Award is given in alternate years to honor faculty who have compiled a record of excellence in interdisciplinary research or teaching.

Gelderloos was nominated for his advocacy for interdisciplinary education. In 1975, he development the environmental studies degree program that combines courses from natural sciences, behavioral sciences, social sciences, education and business. He continues to champion the cause of interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

“It would be hard to find another individual in our community who has embraced E.L. Boyer’s model of scholarship, particularly the elements of integration, application and teaching, more successfully than Orin Gelderloos in service to our students, our campus and our region in environmental education,” said Donald Bord, professor of physics.