2024 College of Human Sciences Award Recipients
Through a competitive process, the following faculty and staff members were selected by their peers for awards from the College of Human Sciences. They were recognized for excellence in advancing student success, transformative research and engagement, and community-building leadership and service.
Faculty Award for International Service
Ken Tsai is dedicated to cultivating international relationships and amplified visibility, academic programs, and international collaborations. Ken’s commitment to nurturing global relationships is exemplified by his instrumental role in organizing the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop last summer. Collaborating with two prestigious Taiwan universities, Tatung University and Fu Jen Catholic University, Ken’s initiatives have broadened academic prospects for students in the College of Human Sciences. Ken also initiated the development of a Transatlantic Exchange Summer School with two renowned German universities. His steadfast dedication in implementing the summer school program has been crucial in enhancing the institution’s global reach and fostering valuable academic collaborations.
P&S Early Achievement in Research/Teaching
Although Jeni is early in her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and research. She has received recognition for her highly responsive work that goes well beyond the normal expectations for a position. Jeni helped to generate the preliminary data for two NIH grant proposals that were recently funded and assisted with grant writing. She collaborates with multiple lab groups on campus, and she serves as a mentor for student research projects. With respect to teaching, she specializes in teaching skills professional careers and training for greater involvement in research.
P&S Early Achievement in Administration
Patrick Determan exceeds the criteria identified for this award. He quickly learned the responsibilities of his role with little guidance and immediately began to train others. He has developed processes, created spreadsheets, and updated our communications materials. His work has led to increased efficiencies, clearer communication, and a higher level of support for graduate students and faculty. Patrick volunteered to test the new Workday student system. His feedback will enhance our service to graduate students. Most critically, his collaborative approach, focus on student success, and sense of humor have significantly contributed a positive environment in the School of Education.
Carolyn Steckelberg, Term Faculty Distinguished Service
Carolyn Steckelberg
Associate Professor of Practice
Department: Human Development and Family Studies
ViewCarolyn Steckelberg has tirelessly served students both within the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and outside of the department. This has been her practice for many years – even though she would only have to support students in HDFS. She supports all students through excellent teaching and by going above and beyond for her advisees. She continually leverages her connections to bring industry professionals into the classroom. Last year alone, she brought in 12. Her connections also help place her students in successful internships and jobs after graduation. She helps her advisees navigate the unwritten rules and structures of adulthood, with a specific focus on the success of first generation students.
Outstanding Undergraduate and Graduate Mentor
Jason Gillette’s mentorship transcends traditional boundaries, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students thrive academically and personally. His guidance has significantly impacted students like Dr. Boyi Dai, an international student from China, who praised Jason’s unwavering support and commitment to student opportunities. Jason’s leadership extends to collaborative research where his mentees have delivered over 20 conference presentations in the past four years. He is active in student program committees and dedicated to preparing future faculty.
Early Achievement in Teaching
Since 2020, Wesley Lefferts has taught 450 students in Medical Aspects of Exercise and Exercise Physiology with an average instructor rating of 4.6 – which surpasses the department average. He has mentored 16 undergraduate research students who have authored and presented 10 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts. He was awarded the CHS site visit grant and went to Mt. Everest with undergraduate students to explore human physiology at high altitude. This is an experience he plans to offer every two years. He embodies Iowa State’s mission of being the foremost student-centered educational and research intuition through his commitment to teaching, mentoring and experiential learning.
Mid-Career Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice
Jenny Smith-Wittrock has prioritized the improvement and consistency related to youth outreach within the Department of Kinesiology. These programs greatly benefit the community. They also help prepare future PE teachers apply best practices and gain critical experience before they graduate to help prepare them for their careers. The summer youth programs have become a staple in the department and for Iowa State University. Enrollment has increased with both programs and the educational focus has become a priority. Under her leadership, both the young people in our community and our students are positively impacted by programs that will benefit their futures.
Mid-Career Achievement in Research
Amie Zarling is an exceptional researcher who developed the “Achieving Change Through Values-Based Behavior” treatment program for reducing criminal behavior. Collaborating with the Iowa Department of Correction, she trained over 400 facilitators and assessed the program’s impact. As the department’s most cited Associate Professor, Dr. Zarling holds an h-index of 16, with over 785 citations globally. Her work is widely recognized, and she has earned $1.5 million in external funds at Iowa State. Amie’s commitment to impactful research has established her as a leader and influential mentor for her students, making a significant mark in the field.
Mid-Career Achievement in Teaching
Jamie Beyer has excelled in her role as a Teaching Professor, consistently receiving teaching evaluation scores well above the departmental averages. Jamie has become known for creating course activities and assignments where students are given opportunities to learn from a variety of methods. One example of this is a course she developed there students plan and hold an annual event called “The Conference”. Students taking this course put the knowledge and skills they learned throughout their program of study into real-world application. Each year, The Conference provides the University community with an engaging opportunity centered around growth – all planned and executed by students.
Career Achievement in Outreach
Suzanne Bartholomae has collaborated on numerous regional and national projects and is a standout leader. Suzanne’s national recognition is evident in her role as an associate editor, invited presentations, and multiple awards for best papers and collaborations. What really sets her apart is her unique ability to synthesize extensive scholarship, bringing depth to her work. This skill makes her a thought leader, promoting an understanding of the significance of family resource management, family economics, and personal finance for thriving individuals and communities. Her work is making a difference in Iowa, across the nation and throughout the world.
Career Achievement in Teaching
Tim Derrick has an unwavering commitment to teaching, mentoring, and the development of curriculum in the Department of Kinesiology. He brings a culture of research into the classroom and creates and environment where asking questions and thinking broadly are encouraged. In the early years of the Kinesiology PhD program, he developed an interactive doctoral seminar to prepare students for future research. He brings real-world data into the classroom to help students translate concepts to real world applications. He has served as a leader in the College Honors Program, mentoring many undergraduates in research along with outstanding efforts as a graduate student research mentor. His contributions have benefitted so many students and strengthened the Kinesiology Department.