The Office of Academic Affairs at Colorado School of Mines is proud to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Faculty Awards for excellence in teaching, research, service and mentorship.
Faculty Excellence Award
The Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member for significant and meritorious achievement in teaching and scholarship, went to Rob Braun, University Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and co-director of the Advanced Energy Systems graduate program.
“Rob conducts pioneering research in fuel cells, hydrogen and energy systems modeling, supported by nearly $30 million in external funding. He also mentors graduate students and junior faculty with generosity and care, and his influence spans classrooms, laboratories and global partnerships," Provost Stefanie Tompkins said. “As an educator and mentor, Rob challenges students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and pursue mastery. As a program director and collaborator, he has built thriving partnerships with national laboratories, industry, and international institutions — elevating both student outcomes and Mines’ reputation as a leader in energy research and innovation.”
Board of Trustees Outstanding Faculty Award
The Board of Trustees Outstanding Faculty Award, which recognizes innovation and impact in teaching and learning, both inside and outside the classroom, went to Scott Strong, teaching professor of applied mathematics and statistics.
Honored during Undergraduate Commencement on May 15, Strong was commended for “his unique gift for bringing mathematics to life,” as well as his campuswide leadership in educational innovation from course redesigns to the thoughtful integration of generative AI.
Mines Teaching Awards
The Mines Teaching Awards recognize superior teaching at the undergraduate level over the period of several years. Two awards are given annually, one to a teaching faculy member and one to a tenure/tenure-track faculty member.
The Teaching Faculty Award went to Jeff Ackerman, teaching associate professor of mechanical engineering.
“Since joining Mines, Jeff has played a central role in designing and continuously improving the Mechanical Engineering curriculum, creating signature courses that connect theory to practice through design, prototyping, and experimentation," Tompkins said. His innovations — such as open educational resources and standardized robotics platforms — remove barriers and ensure high‑impact learning for all students.”
The Tenure/Tenure-Track Teaching Award went to Nikki Farnsworth, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering.
“Nikki is widely praised for making complex biological concepts accessible, engaging and relevant—whether teaching large, core undergraduate courses or advanced graduate electives," Tompkins said. “She is known for integrating real‑world research, hands‑on learning and active classroom strategies that foster critical thinking and student confidence."
Alfred E. Jenni Faculty Fellowship
Rebecca Swanson, University Distinguished Teaching Professor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, is the winner of the Alfred E. Jenni Faculty Fellowship, which is awarded to a faculty member for institution-wide contributions in teaching effectiveness and educational scholarship during the one-year award period.
Swanson plans to use the fellowship to pilot and evaluate for scaling a new course designed to help students who enter Mines with gaps in algebraic fluency without delaying their path to graduation. This five-credit version of the course embeds "just-in-time" support directly into the curriculum.
Faculty Service Award
In recognition of exceptional leadership and engagement in advancing the mission of Mines beyond teaching and research, two Faculty Service Awards were given out this year, one to a teaching faculty member, and one for a tenured or tenure-track faculty.
The Teaching Faculty Service Award was given to Tracy Gardner, University Distinguished Teaching Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, for her sustained leadership in departmental administration, faculty governance and accreditation efforts that strengthened programs and expanded opportunities for students.
The Tenure/Tenure-Track Faculty Service Award went to Junko Munakata Marr, professor of civil and environmental engineering, in recognition of her leadership in creating and launching the Construction Engineering Bachelor of Science.
Excellence in Research Awards
The Excellence in Research Awards recognize Mines faculty members who are active in research for their outstanding accomplishments while at Mines.
The Senior Faculty Award, which honors faculty members with 10 or more years of self-directed research, was given to Jim Ranville, professor of chemistry.
The Junior Faculty Award, for faculty members with less than 10 years of self-directed research, went to Ryan Venturelli, assistant professor of geology and geological engineering, and Pejman Tahmasebi, associate professor of petroleum engineering.
W.M. Keck Mentorship Awards
Supported by the Keck Foundation, the Office of Academic Affairs recognizes extraordinary mentorship through three annual awards.
The Undergraduate Student Mentorship Award went to Chelsea Panos, teaching associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.
“Since joining Mines in 2020, Chelsea has consistently gone beyond traditional advising to create inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments for students—particularly those navigating disability, chronic illness, and personal challenges," Tompkins said. "Known for her openness and authenticity, Chelsea uses vulnerability as a tool for connection, helping students feel seen, respected, and capable. Her mentorship has led to the creation and sustained growth of student organizations such as Orediggers Disability Activism and Community and Collar Scholars, providing safe spaces, advocacy and community for underrepresented students.”
The Graduate Student Mentorship Award recognized Benjamin Gilbert, associate professor of economics and business.
“What distinguishes Ben’s mentorship is not only his availability, but the depth and intentionality of his engagement," Tompkins said. “Students describe his feedback as exceptionally thorough, constructive and empowering; his guidance sharpens methodology, strengthens communication and builds confidence. He actively integrates students into his own research, providing hands‑on experience that is uncommon in the field of economics.”
The Faculty and Staff Mentorship Award went to Carter Moulton, faculty developer in the Trefny Innovative Instruction Center.
"Through his leadership at the Trefny Center, he has gone well beyond the expectations of his role—designing and launching innovative, campus‑wide mentorship programs that support early‑career faculty while also developing experienced faculty as mentors themselves,” Tompkins said. “He pairs thoughtful program design with deep one‑on‑one coaching, helping faculty refine their teaching, connect their work to educational research, and share their innovations with colleagues across campus and beyond.”
Senior Class Outstanding Faculty Awards
Applied Mathematics and Statistics: Mike Mikucki
Chemical and Biological Engineering: Rachel Morrish
Chemistry: Matthew Posewitz
Civil and Environmental Engineering: Chelsea Panos
Computer Science: Christopher Painter-Wakefield
Economics and Business: Becky Lafrancois
Electrical Engineering: Chris Coulston
Engineering Design and Society: Michael Sheppard
Geology and Geological Engineering: Ryan Venturelli
Geophysics: Bia Villas Bôas
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences: Jonathan Cullison
Mechanical Engineering: Polina Brodsky
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering: Gerald Bourne
Mining Engineering: Heather Lammers
Petroleum Engineering: Jennifer Miskimins
Physics: Chuck Stone
Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering: Duncan Davis Hall
University Honors and Scholars: Samantha Temple
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
