UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) recognized faculty and staff at its annual awards ceremony, held Dec. 17 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. Honorees were nominated by IST colleagues and selected by a review committee for excellence in teaching, research and service.
“This has been an amazing year of growth for the college, and it’s fitting that we wrapped it up with a wonderful celebration of our incredible faculty and staff,” said Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST. “The contributions made by these talented awardees have helped us to maintain IST's status as a leading iSchool."
The event opened with the College of IST’s year-end video: What Are You Celebrating in 2025?
Dean Tapia recognized:
- IST’s fall student marshal, Emily Bogle
- 11 new faculty members representing the college’s three new academic departments
- 10 new staff from multiple units across the college
- Members of the Nittany AI Alliance, which joined the college in January
Tapia then presented the college’s annual faculty and staff awards:
IST faculty awards
Faculty Excellence in Research Award — Kenneth Huang, associate professor, Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics
This award recognizes an IST faculty member who has achieved national and/or international recognition for high-impact, innovative and outstanding research that contributed to a significant advancement in the field of information sciences and technology.
Junior Faculty Excellence in Research Award — Jinyuan Jai, assistant professor, Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics
This award recognizes the significance of a particular contribution by an IST faculty member who has produced innovative and outstanding research results, contributed to breakthrough and high-impact research or demonstrated the potential to solve challenging research problems as an individual or in a collaborative team.
George J. McMurtry Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award — Kevin Sylvester, assistant teaching professor, Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics
This award recognizes an IST faculty member who consistently provides an exceptional learning environment for students in the classroom or online through their innovative teaching, commitment to learning and creative interface.
George J. McMurtry Junior Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award — Chris Gamrat, associate teaching professor, Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics
IST staff awards
College Support Award (Team) — Chris Alves, Audrey Boob and Nathan Mellace, IT helpdesk support team
College Support Award (Individual) — Kim Woodward, alumni relations and stewardship officer
This award is given to a staff member or team of staff who consistently provides high-quality service to the college and demonstrates a level of performance, methods and achievements that exemplify the highest standards of support to the college.
Rising Star Award — Molly Johnson, financial specialist
This award is given to a staff member whose performance on the job is exceptional and best exemplifies professionalism and dedication to the mission of the college and the University.
Dean’s Circle of Excellence Award — Four awardees: Sue Lauver, academic program specialist, curriculum; Farzana Naurin, academic program coordinator, scholarship awarding and course support; and Rebecca Thurman-Irons, academic adviser; and Melissa Williams, academic program coordinator, advising.
This award is given to a staff member whose work contributed to the completion of a major project or program. This project or program would not have been possible without the leadership and perseverance of this individual.
Faculty and staff awards
Community and Service Award — Shomir Wilson, associate professor, Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics
This award is given to a faculty or staff member who, through their own commitments and leadership, helped to foster a sense of community within the college.
Susan B. Lucas Diversity and Equity Award — Angela Miller, admissions officer, undergraduate programs
This award is given to a faculty or staff member who significantly contributed to making the College of IST a welcoming climate to foster diversity and promote equity.
30 years of service — Lisa Crownover, facilities representative, and Carey Zettle, grants and contracts administrator