By Samil Baker
Each year, faculty who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to engaging UAB’s undergraduate students in research, creative activities, service-learning and education-abroad experiences are awarded the Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence.
This year’s winners represent three departments from three schools: Ana Oliveira, DrPH, assistant professor in the School of Health Professions Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences; Sami Raut, Ph.D., associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology; Lisa McCormick, DrPH, associate dean in the School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Sciences; and Meena Nabavi, program manager in the School of Public Health.
Service Learning
Ana Oliveira, DrPH
Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences
Oliveira has implemented service learning in graduate courses and professional school programs. Students participate in projects related to underserved populations, sustainability and teaching molecular diagnosis to high school students. Many graduate students in Oliveira’s courses have been assigned to serve as judges at the UAB Expo.
“Ana is passionate about service learning,” a nominator wrote. “As a graduate of UAB Faculty Fellows program, she has volunteered as a mentor to two fellows in the same program. In addition to her teaching and scholarship reflecting her passion for service learning, Ana’s commitment is also reflected in her service activities. She has volunteered at the UAB Expo many years where she judges student service-learning posters.”
Undergraduate Research
Sami Raut, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
Raut has integrated cutting-edge, high-impact practices for STEM and non-STEM majors that have led to the involvement of more than 30 undergraduate and transfer students. Many students have co-written publications and won awards at national and international conferences, including the highly prestigious Posters on the Hill.
“As a pre-health sophomore transfer student in my first semester at UAB, I remember Dr. Raut’s approaching me — not the other way around — to discuss my plans post-graduation,” a nominator wrote. “When she learned that I was first-generation and had no research experience, she encouraged me to conduct research with her. I have witnessed her take well over 20 undergraduate students under her mentorship, providing research opportunities to students who otherwise never would have, like myself — those students being ones from first-generation backgrounds, community college backgrounds and those experiencing financial difficulties. Dr. Raut not only opens doors for a student like me, but she tears down walls.”
Education Abroad
Lisa McCormick, DrPH, and Meena Nabavi
Department of Environmental Health Sciences
McCormick and Nabavi developed the School of Public Health’s first faculty-led education-abroad course. Exploring Population Health takes students out of the classroom and into communities to learn firsthand about historical and contemporary public health issues. Students engage with public health professionals and community-based partners in the countries visited, focusing on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to solve complex problems.
“This course provides students an opportunity to learn about historical and contemporary public health (PH) issues, their effects on population health, and how PH systems are working to address these issues today,” a nominator wrote. “I was fortunate to participate in the 2019 Panama course. Dr. McCormick and Meena have made a tremendous difference in the lives and careers of students who have participated. There is no one more dedicated to educating our students about public health practice and how we, as a discipline, can make a difference in the communities we serve.”
