Three CMNS Faculty and Staff Members Receive Do Good Innovator Awards
Announced in fall 2023, The Provost’s Do Good Innovator Awards sought to recognize faculty and staff members across UMD’s Do Good Campus who have been hard at work tackling the grand challenges of our time.
The Innovator Awards highlight the incredible members of our campus community who create, nurture, expand and amplify social impact throughout education, programs and research, both inside and outside the classroom. Over the past academic year, members from the Do Good Campus Strategic Leadership Council received nominations from across their unit and selected up to three awardees. Congratulations to the awardees from the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences!
Jacqueline Dwyer-Xec, Administrative Coordinator, Mathematics
Dwyer-Xec is the face of the Department of Mathematics, using her office to create an environment where every student feels they can belong. For several days at the start of the semester, Dwyer-Xec sets up a table at the entrance decorated with balloons in Maryland colors, greets students as they enter, hands out candy and hand sanitizer, and gives directions to their classrooms.
Anahí Espíndola, Assistant Professor, Entomology
Espíndola’s large impact, especially on Spanish-speaking communities, is driven by her boundless energy, optimism, positivity and strong spirit. Beyond the traditional classroom, she developed a Spanish language blog, “Extensión en Español,” that provides high-quality scientific information to Maryland’s increasing Hispanic population. In addition, she has designed and distributed multiple learning modules to teach K-12 students about pollination and pollinators.
Archana Khurana, Senior Lecturer, Mathematics
Khurana received almost two-thirds of the college’s nominations, all from students who recognize her compassion, going the extra mile to support students and creating an engaging learning environment. This recognition is even more impressive considering STAT100 has more than 300 students. As one student stated, "She exemplifies diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging."
