MechSE staffers awarded for exemplary service

Mariana Silva and Tammy Smith have been awarded the 2015 MechSE Staff Award for Exemplary Service. Silva is a visiting lecturer, adjunct assistant professor, and curriculum development coordinator for the department. Smith is an office support specialist in the Undergraduate Programs Office.

 

Silva’s nomination was supported by 10 of the department’s faculty, staff, and students. Among other reasons, they noted her dedication to the TAM SIIP (Strategic Instructional Initiatives Program) project team, helping new junior faculty transition onto the TAM teaching team, self-improvement as a teacher and administrator, and her advising role to MechSE’s undergraduate students.

 

Professor Daniel Tortorelli, who works with Silva on the TAM SIIP teaching initiative, said, “Simply put, Mariana loves teaching. Her teaching success is unparalleled in our department. No one has taught the massive college-wide required TAM classes as effectively as Mariana.”

 

“She has been a critical member of the TAM SIIP project team, and without her our team would never have succeeded in its transformative impact on the TAM 2XX courses. Mariana is consistently enthusiastic, positive, encouraging, and supportive, which results in an enhanced image for MechSE both within the university and in the wider community,” said Associate Professor Matt West, who is also part of the TAM team with Silva and others.

 

Smith was nominated for her dedication to the department and its students.

“Tammy will go above and beyond what is required to make sure events and departmental activities go smoothly. She greets everyone who enters our office with a smile on her face and is very approachable,” said nominator Missy Biehl, undergraduate programs coordinator for MechSE. 

 

Smith said she feels honored to receive the award. “I accept it on behalf of my co-workers in the Undergraduate Programs Office. We have such a great team, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support,” she said.

 

Silva and Smith formally received their awards at the MechSE awards banquet on April 17, 2015.