Faculty Awards

The faculty in the Klein College of Science are leaders in excellence for teaching, research and in professional organizations for their respective fields.

Klein College faculty are the nominees and recipients of awards from UNC Charlotte, the UNC Board of Governors, and other respected organizations.

Million Dollar Research Circle

The Million Dollar Research Circle recognizes faculty with active external funding totaling $1M or more. In 2024, 16 faculty from the Klein College of Science were recognized.

  • Ishwar D. Aggarwal
  • Kirill A. Afonin
  • Danillo G. Augusto
  • Christopher M. Bejger
  • Anthony M. Fernandes
  • Jonathan J. Foley
  • Kristen E. Funk
  • Ian Marriott
  • Allison W. McCulloch
  • Adam M. Reitzel
  • Bao-Hua Song
  • Thomas J. Suleski
  • Andrew Truman
  • Patricija van Oosten-Hawle
  • Juan L. Vivero-Escoto
  • Shan Yan

O. Max Gardner Award

The O. Max Gardner Award is considered the UNC System’s highest faculty honor. The Gardner Award, first presented in 1949, is given annually by the UNC Board of Governors to “that member of the faculty of the University of North Carolina who, during the current scholastic year, has made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.”

Recipients:

  • 2015: Pinku Mukherjee, Irwin Belk Endowed Professor of Cancer Research

Nominees:

  • 2023: Kirill Afonin, Professor of Chemistry
  • 2010: Mark G. Clemens, Professor of Vascular and Metabolic Physiology
  • 2008: Kenneth Bost, Professor of Biology
  • 2007: Mark G. Clemens, Professor of Biology

Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award

The Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award was established in memory of Dr. Harshini V. de Silva, an associate professor of biology, who was noted for her deep dedication to the academic and professional development of graduate students.

  • 2023-2024: Juan Vivero-Escoto, Chemistry
  • 2021-2022: Adam Reitzel, Biological Sciences
  • 2002-2003: Bernadette Donovan-Merkert, Chemistry
  • 2001-2002: James D. Oliver, Biology

Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professorship for Teaching

The Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professorship for Teaching was created by the trustees of UNC Charlotte to honor superior career achievement in teaching.

  • 1998: James Oliver, Biology
  • 1993: Miriam Leiva, Mathematics

Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement & the thomas ehrlich civically engaged faculty award

The Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement was established in 2017 and is awarded annually to a tenured member of the faculty whose teaching and/or research embody the University’s commitment to civic involvement, and whose work profoundly and systematically affects the relationship between UNC Charlotte and the larger community in a positive and meaningful way. Winners of that year’s award become the nominee for the Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award.

  • 2017: Thomas Schmedake, Chemistry

Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service

The Gov. Holshouser Award for Excellence in Public Service recognizes and rewards “sustained, distinguished, and superb achievement in university public service and outreach, and contributions to improve the quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina.

  • 2012: Harold Reiter, Mathematics and Statistics