Four University of Delaware faculty members were recognized by their colleagues for their scholarly contributions at the Faculty Senate meeting on March 4. They will have their names inscribed on bricks in Mentors’ Circle.

Honoring faculty excellence

Article by Tabitha Groh Photos by Evan Krape March 29, 2024

Four faculty members recognized by Faculty Senate for their engagement and scholarship

Four University of Delaware faculty members were recognized by their colleagues for their scholarly contributions at the Faculty Senate meeting on March 4.

The Excellence in Scholarly Engagement Award is given to a faculty member who has distinguished themselves in teaching, research, creative activities and/or service that engages the community in a reciprocal relationship. The Mid-Career Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes excellence in research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

Amanda Jansen and Stephen Metraux received the fall 2023 Excellence in Scholarly Community Engagement Award. They each received $5,000 to be shared with an identified community partner and will have their names inscribed on bricks in Mentors’ Circle.

Jansen, professor in the School of Education, conducts research in public schools on improving mathematics teaching practices in ways that support students' motivation and engagement.

Professor Amanda Jansen, pictured with Provost Laura Carlson and President Dennis Assanis, received the fall 2023 Excellence in Scholarly Community Engagement Award.

“I’m humbled and honored to have this work recognized by UD,” Jansen said. “In my research on mathematics teaching, I have collaboratively generated knowledge with teachers about effective teaching practices. Learning with and from classroom teachers has made it more likely for other teachers to find the ideas to be relevant to them.”

Metraux, associate professor in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and director of the Center for Community Research and Service, works with community organizations focused on homelessness and housing issues.

“I am grateful for receiving the Excellence in Engagement Award,” Metraux said. “For the University’s recognition of the work that I, with my collaborators at the Center for Community Research and Service, do in housing and homelessness, health care and community development, and for the support that this award provides towards better policies and community outcomes in Delaware.”

Benjamin Bagozzi and Megan Wenner were presented with the fall 2023 Mid-Career Excellence in Scholarship Award. They were awarded $5,000 and will have their names inscribed on bricks in Mentors’ Circle.

Benjamin Bagozzi, associate professor of political science and international relations, received the fall 2023 Mid-Career Excellence in Scholarship Award.

Bagozzi, associate professor of political science and international relations, uses data science approaches to study political violence, international political economy and environmental politics.

“I am very grateful and honored to have received the Mid-Career Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award,” Bagozzi said. “It's a testament to the incredible support and mentoring I've received throughout my time at UD.”

Wenner, associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology, studies women’s health as it relates to blood pressure and vascular function.

“I'm extremely honored to have received this award, especially knowing all the great research that is happening here at UD,” Wenner said. “I'm so grateful to my department and the College of Health Sciences for being so supportive. I've been so fortunate to have great colleagues, but also to have outstanding students and staff in my laboratory that share my passion for advancing women's health.”