UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized five faculty members for outstanding teaching in 2021.
The recipients of the college’s Community of Teaching Excellence Award are Noel Habashy, assistant teaching professor of international agriculture; Siobhan Fathel, assistant teaching professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Kathleen Sexsmith, assistant professor of rural sociology; and Robert Van Saun, professor of veterinary science.
Additionally, Liana Burghardt, assistant professor of plant science, received the early-career North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Award of Merit.
Since joining Ag Sciences Global in 2017, Habashy has served as the coordinator for the international agriculture (INTAG) minor and is responsible for the core courses, including INTAG 100, INTAG 100N and INTAG 490. Under his leadership, the minor is consistently one of the top three in the college and has grown to enroll a record number of students.
“With his student‐centered teaching philosophy, his drive for innovation in the classroom, his passion, dedication and collegial approach, Dr. Habashy has inspired hundreds of students and encouraged them to think globally,” said Deanna Behring, assistant dean and director of international programs.
Fathel joined Penn State in 2018. She teaches various classes and is the adviser for biorenewable systems undergraduate students. Fathel also has been involved in the development of numerous courses and continues to publish, participate in professional societies, and organize workshops and outreach programs.
“Dr. Fathel is an exceptional teacher and an outstanding servant with tremendous service and contributions to students,” said Suat Irmak, professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. “She has exhibited a love of teaching and a genuine care for the professional and personal development of her students.”
Since arriving at the University in 2017, Sexsmith has taught several courses, including “CED 497 Community-Engaged Learning with Pennsylvania Farmworkers.” The course helps students have a unique, enriching experience connecting big-picture, global trends to specific challenges and dynamics on the ground.
László J. Kulcsár, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education, described this class as a prime example for engagement in the best traditions of the land-grant mission.
He also lauded Sexsmith’s journey as a teacher. “I’ve always been very impressed with the way Dr. Sexsmith keeps the right balance between being approachable while also being clear about her expectations in class,” he said. “This made her very successful in the classroom and as a mentor.”
Van Saun joined Penn State in 2000, teaching an array of courses for both animal science and veterinary and biomedical science students. Van Saun is a lead adviser to the college’s Pre-Vet Club and has helped to put Penn State’s veterinary science program on the map nationally.
“Dr. Van Saun’s overall contribution to education has been outstanding,” said K. Sandeep Prabhu, professor and head of the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. “His experience, mentorship, teaching and professionalism lead to only good things for our students and colleagues.”
Since arriving at Penn State in February 2020, Burghardt has embraced her teaching role through formal classroom instruction and training graduate and undergraduate researchers. She also has shown remarkable leadership in developing and implementing inclusive teaching practices. Burghardt is the co-founder and co-director of the Department of Plant Science’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community.
Erin Connolly, professor and head of the department, said, “Dr. Burghardt is an exceptionally skilled, dedicated and innovative instructor who is extremely well-regarded by our students, faculty and staff. Her efforts to infuse inclusive teaching practices are already receiving accolades from colleagues and students alike.”