The 2026 Celebration of Faculty and Staff Excellence ceremony recognized faculty and staff for contributions that strengthen teaching, research, civic engagement and leadership. IU Indianapolis photo

Faculty and staff across IU Indianapolis were recognized for their impact to the university at the 2026 Celebration of Faculty and Staff Excellence ceremony.

The annual event commends their contributions that strengthen teaching, research, civic engagement and leadership across campus and celebrates those who exemplify the campus mission through innovation, mentorship and service.

The awards highlight outstanding achievements and support continued professional growth, with many including financial incentives. This year’s honorees represent a wide range of disciplines and roles, united by a shared commitment to advancing IU Indianapolis and improving lives across Indiana and beyond.

Meet the honorees:

Alvin S. Bynum Award for Excellence in Academic Mentoring

Catherine A. Dobris

The associate professor of communication in the School of Liberal Arts and former director of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies was recognized for transformative, student-centered mentoring that supports academic success and professional growth, including co-authorship opportunities and continued guidance beyond graduation.

Cristina Santamaría Graff

The associate professor in the School of Education was honored for sustained, compassionate mentoring that fosters confidence and persistence, particularly through trauma-informed teaching and support extending into graduate education and professional careers.

Bantz-Petronio Translating Research Into Practice Faculty Award

Amrou Awaysheh

The associate professor in the Kelley School of Business was recognized for his work in sustainability and operations. The founder of the IU Business Sustainability and Innovation Lab has raised more than $64 million and partnered with industrial organizations to advance regenerative manufacturing and sustainable supply chains.

Carol D. Nathan Scholarship Award

Megan Chester

The CRM communications and operations analyst in the Graduate School was honored for combining professional excellence with academic advancement and improving communications systems while pursuing a Master of Public Affairs to further serve IU.

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Lamia Scherzinger

The teaching professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the School of Health & Human Sciences was recognized for nearly two decades of student-centered teaching and national leadership in online and inclusive pedagogy, alongside extensive mentorship of students and faculty.

Chancellor’s Community Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement

Indiana Justice Project

Led by Adam Mueller, the organization was honored for advancing housing justice through legal advocacy, education and community programs that support maternal and child health and empower vulnerable populations.

Aspire House/Aspire Higher Foundation

Founded by Tim and Sharon Clark, Aspire House was recognized for its partnership with Herron School of Art and Design, creating a community hub and public art initiatives that drive neighborhood revitalization and creative collaboration.

Chancellor’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement

David Hòa Khoa Nguyễn

The associate professor in the School of Education was honored for community-engaged scholarship focused on legal literacy and educational equity, making policy accessible to underserved communities and informing statewide initiatives.

Chancellor’s Professor

Margaret Adamek

The professor in the School of Social Work was recognized for more than three decades of leadership, global scholarship in aging and transformative mentorship, including developing international doctoral programs and securing major funding.

Reuben Kapur

The vice chair for basic science research and director of the IU School of Medicine Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research was honored for groundbreaking work in hematopoiesis and leukemia, along with extensive mentorship shaping future scientific leaders.

Michael J. Pitts

The professor of law and associate dean for research and faculty intellectual life at the McKinney School of Law was recognized for influential scholarship in election law and exceptional teaching, known for personalized mentorship and preparing students for academic and professional success.

Charles Bantz Chancellor’s Community Fellowship Award

Allison Baker

The associate professor in the Herron School of Art and Design was honored for leading community-engaged public art initiatives that revitalize neighborhoods through collaborative, student-supported projects with Aspire House.

Gerald L. Bepko Staff Council Spirit Award

Celeste Wolfinger

The program management assistant in the Department of Psychiatry’s Adolescent Behavioral Health Research Program in the School of Medicine was recognized for exceptional service, leadership and community impact, including expanding wellness initiatives through the BeHappy program, which has grown to serve communities in nearly every Indiana county.

Glenn W. Irwin Jr., M.D., Experience Excellence Award

Pamela Linder

The clinical assistant professor and director of hospital dentistry in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was honored for expanding access to specialized dental care and providing critical services across IU Health while mentoring students in clinical settings.

Jaime Sperandio

The director of pre-professional and career preparation in the School of Science was recognized for leadership in student success initiatives, including the Bachelor’s to M.D. program and campus-wide career development efforts.

Glenn W. Irwin Jr., M.D., Research Scholar Award

Julie Goodspeed-Chadwick

The Chancellor’s Professor of English and director of the Office of Student Research at IU Columbus was honored for internationally recognized scholarship in modernist and feminist studies and leadership in academic publishing and research.

David A. Haggstrom

The associate professor of medicine in the School of Medicine and director of the IU Center for Health Services Research at Regenstrief Institute was recognized for impactful health services research and leadership advancing cancer care and interdisciplinary collaboration.

IU Indianapolis Staff Sustainability Award

Cass Barnhill

The residence life specialist for leadership initiatives in Housing and Residence Life was honored for advancing sustainability and social justice through student leadership initiatives and environmentally focused campus programs.

Momentum in Action Award

Nina Onesti

The assistant director of outreach for Counseling and Psychological Services was recognized for quickly implementing impactful improvements to engagement, programming and operational efficiency.

Rising Star Award

Nadia Lomax

The residence life specialist for academic initiatives in Housing and Residence Life was honored for their impact through program innovation, student support and leadership in academic initiatives within campus housing.

Jaguar Impact Award

Abby Fralich

The residence life coordinator in Housing and Residence Life was recognized for developing programs that strengthen relationships between students and campus police, improving safety and community trust.

Supervisory Excellence Award

Richard Griffin

The human resources director in the School of Nursing was honored for strong leadership, staff development and creating resources that support effective supervision and organizational success.