Faculty Awards and Recognition

Adam Goldwyn, Professor in the Department of English, provided the 65th faculty lectureship, "Rethinking Holocaust Education: Can We Find the True Witness?". Dr. Goldwyn is an internationally recognized scholar who has authored four influential monographs and more than forty peer-reviewed publications, earning prestigious fellowships and invitations to present at leading institutions including Cambridge, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. Equally distinguished in the classroom, he received the 2024 Vogel Teaching Award and is known for innovative, transformative teaching that inspires students across undergraduate and graduate programs. Dr.Goldwyn’s commitment to service is evident in extensive leadership at the departmental, college, university, and disciplinary levels, including mentoring faculty and students, and serving on key governance committees.

Danielle Condry, Associate Professor of Practice and Graduate Programs Director in the Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, is recognized for her engaging and student-centered approach to undergraduate teaching. She is known for presenting complex material with clarity, enthusiasm, and purpose, inspiring deep intellectual curiosity and thoughtful engagement in the classroom. Through her use of evidence-based teaching practices, responsiveness to student feedback, and commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment, she helps students of all backgrounds thrive academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Condry is an exceptional mentor whose guidance, encouragement, and investment in student success have shaped the lives and careers of countless students.

Sam Markell, Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, is an exceptional researcher whose work exemplifies the land-grant mission by advancing scientific discovery while delivering measurable benefits to agriculture and society. Dr. Markell he has built a nationally recognized research program addressing some of the most significant disease challenges affecting soybean, sunflower, dry bean, and canola production, generating 87 peer-reviewed publications, 24 book chapters, more than $25 million in competitive funding, and management strategies that are implemented across millions of acres of farmland. As founder and leader of the Soybean Cyst Nematode Coalition, he transformed the way research is translated into practice, building partnerships across North America and providing science-based tools that help thousands of producers make informed decisions and protect agricultural profitability.

Julia Bowsher, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, is a transformative and innovative educator whose evidence-based teaching practices have significantly enhanced student learning and engagement. A campus leader in active learning, she redesigned all of her undergraduate courses to emphasize student-centered instruction, replacing traditional lectures and high-stakes exams with collaborative case studies, scaffolded group work, frequent low-stakes assessments, and clear alignment between assignments and learning outcomes. She was also among the first faculty members at NDSU to pioneer ungrading, an innovative assessment model that shifts the focus from earning points to achieving meaningful learning, reducing student anxiety while encouraging intellectual risk-taking, deeper reflection, and higher-level thinking. Her commitment to innovation has been especially impactful in large upper-division courses, where she has successfully created highly engaging learning environments that consistently earn outstanding student evaluations and recognition through multiple teaching awards.

Thomas Krumel, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, is an innovative educator whose research-based instructional design has transformed the teaching of quantitative economics by making rigorous analytical thinking accessible, engaging, and achievable for a broad range of students. Rather than relying on traditional content delivery, he has developed a systematic learning model that uses early diagnostic assessments, targeted skill remediation, scaffolded problem sequences, and guided transitions from intuition to formal economic reasoning to help students master complex mathematical and theoretical concepts. His courses connect real-world decision-making scenarios to formal models, enabling students to build intuition before applying advanced analytical techniques. This cutting-edge approach has improved student success, persistence, and achievement in challenging quantitative courses while creating a replicable framework for teaching economics. By combining innovative course design, exceptional mentoring, and opportunities for students to engage in original research and applied economic modeling.

Jordan Schrupp, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Animal Sciences, is an innovative educator whose creativity and commitment to experiential learning have transformed veterinary technology education through the development of realistic, hands-on training tools that enhance student confidence, engagement, and skill development. Recognizing the value of simulation-based learning, she designed lifelike canine vein models, bladder palpation and cystocentesis trainers, and enhanced suture practice materials that allow students to master complex clinical procedures before working with live animals, improving both learning outcomes and patient safety. She has also created an extensive library of instructional videos covering surgical nursing, anesthesia, dentistry, and clinical techniques, enabling students to learn foundational skills at their own pace and arrive better prepared for laboratory experiences. Her innovations bridge classroom instruction and professional practice, accommodate diverse learning styles, and have been so effective that they have been shared beyond her program.

Jessica Striker, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics, is a visionary educator whose innovative, evidence-based teaching practices have transformed mathematics education at NDSU and inspired broader adoption of student-centered learning across the department and university. A pioneer of active learning in mathematics, she has redesigned courses to replace passive lectures and high-stakes testing with collaborative problem-solving, mastery-based gateway assessments, inquiry-driven instruction, real-world applications, and structured peer engagement that promote deep understanding and a growth mindset. In large-enrollment calculus courses and advanced mathematics classes alike, she uses learning assistants, interactive technology, coding experiences, group projects, and authentic applications to help students connect abstract concepts to meaningful problems while building confidence and persistence. Her continuous refinement of course design, integration of computational tools, and commitment to student engagement have enhanced learning outcomes for students at every level, from high school outreach programs to graduate education.

Kyle Vanderburg, Assistant Professor of Practice in the Challey School of Music, is an innovative and forward-thinking music educator whose creative integration of composition, technology, and professional development has transformed student learning. He employs original, project-based approaches that engage students as creators, collaborators, and problem-solvers, helping them connect disciplinary knowledge to authentic artistic practice. He developed and launched the school’s Composition major, creating unique opportunities for students to compose, perform, publish, and showcase original works through concerts, anthologies, and digital platforms. In courses focused on professional preparation, he incorporates innovative experiences such as mock academic search committees using AI-generated application materials, giving students practical insight into career development and the evolving professional landscape. Combining technological expertise with a commitment to student success, Dr. Vanderburg continually designs new tools, curricula, and learning experiences that foster creativity, increase engagement, and prepare students to thrive as musicians and professionals.

Stephen Wischer, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture, has transformed architectural education at NDSU through an innovative teaching model that seamlessly integrates research, creative practice, public exhibition, and studio-based learning. As the leader of the Speculative Architecture graduate studio and thesis sequence, he challenges students to move beyond traditional design approaches by combining storytelling, material exploration, critical inquiry, and artifact creation to address culture, memory, ethics, and human experience through architecture. His nationally recognized pedagogy is exemplified by the annual Speculative Architecture Exhibition, which serves as both a public showcase and a dynamic learning environment where students test ideas, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, and present research-driven work to broader audiences. Through immersive charrettes, hands-on making, collaboration with invited critics, and the integration of his own scholarship into the classroom, Dr. Wischer creates transformative learning experiences that deepen student engagement, strengthen critical and creative thinking, and prepare graduates to become innovative leaders in the profession.

Ali Amiri, Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has shown sustained commitment to guiding students and colleagues which has had a profound impact on the NDSU community. Through individualized advising, research mentorship, leadership of senior design teams, and support of national student competition groups, he has helped undergraduate and graduate students develop the technical expertise, confidence, independence, and professionalism needed to succeed. Over the course of his career, he has mentored dozens of student teams and researchers while providing outstanding academic and career guidance to scores of advisees, earning consistently exceptional evaluations for his accessibility, expertise, and genuine investment in student success. Beyond student mentoring, Dr. Amiri has played a vital role in supporting junior faculty and strengthening the Mechanical Engineering program through his leadership of the capstone design experience and his willingness to share knowledge, resources, and guidance with colleagues.

Stephenson Beck, Professor and Department Chair of English, has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service learning by embedding meaningful community engagement into the core of his teaching, creating transformative experiences that benefit both students and nonprofit organizations. Through his Small Group Communication course, students partner with local nonprofits to identify real organizational needs, develop and implement solutions, and present professional recommendations that create lasting community impact. Under his guidance, students have organized successful fundraising and donation drives, developed communication and marketing strategies, strengthened volunteer networks, and addressed critical needs for organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Great Plains Food Bank, and Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. By connecting classroom theory with hands-on service, Dr. Beck helps students develop teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while demonstrating how their education can serve the greater good. His sustained dedication to experiential learning and community partnership has enriched student learning, strengthened local organizations, and exemplifies the very best of service learning at NDSU.

Joe Deutsch, Professor in the School of Education, exemplifies the highest ideals of faculty achievement and community service through a distinguished career that has advanced both his profession and the Fargo-Moorhead region. Dr. Deutsch currently serves as President of SHAPE America, the nation’s leading organization for health and physical education, while maintaining an outstanding record of scholarship, including more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 100 national and international presentations. He has also served nearly two decades as an elected Fargo Park Board Commissioner, where his visionary leadership has helped shape major community investments, including the Fargo Parks Sports Center and other transformative recreational initiatives. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has devoted countless hours to coaching youth sports, supporting Special Olympics, mentoring future educators and recreation professionals, and strengthening connections between NDSU and the broader community. Through his exceptional leadership, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to public service, Dr. Deutsch has made a lasting impact on both his discipline and the quality of life throughout the region.

Ned Dochtermann, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has established and maintained an internationally recognized research program since beginning at NDSU in 2012. Dr. Dochtermann’s research has spanned many systems, from field studies of small mammals to lab studies of crickets. He was recently awarded an NDSU Foundation Impact Grant to create Shiny apps using the R statistical language that can be used in his classes to enhance student quantitative reasoning skills. Dr. Dochtermann has taken on many service roles, including leadership roles, to aid in the betterment of his department, NDSU and his scientific societies.

Joel Caton, Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, has played a fundamental role in the Animal Sciences undergraduate and graduate programs since he came to NDSU over 35 years ago. A key to the success of Dr. Caton’s teaching and research programs is his effectiveness at presenting scientifically supported information in an engaging manner to diverse audiences. This is most evident through his more than 130 invited local, national and international presentations and lectureships given to audiences with widely varied backgrounds in 15 countries. He has served on departmental and college PT&E committees, supervised the department’s nutritional laboratories and the Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center, and mentored numerous faculty and students.