Honors Professors of the Year
Our Honors Professor of the Year is an award given by Reaud Honors College students in special recognition of their favorite honors professor of the academic year. This faculty award is our college's longest-running accolade and its creation was inspired by Honors Student Association leaders.
This page recognizes previous recipients. To learn about our latest recipients, please visit .
Chosen During HSA Election
Dr. Ashwini Kucknoor
Awarded by Reaud Honors College students in special recognition of their favorite honors professor of the academic year
2023-2024
Dr. Ashwini Kucknoor (Associate Professor of Biology), the first recipient of the David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award, is a research mentor to numerous RHC students, including Jennyfer Zarate, whose research accomplishments were also honored. Dr. Kucknoor was presented her award by incoming HSA President Rima Shaaban, on behalf of her honors peers.
“Dr. Kucknoor's teaching style is truly captivating. She spins her lectures into stories, weaving in real-life examples that make each lesson relevant and engaging. This approach not only deepened my understanding of microbiology but also sparked a genuine passion for the subject. One remarkable memory was our honors project, where Dr. Kucknoor challenged us to create a webpage to explore and discuss the relationship of equity and microbiology, allowing us to foster critical thinking and collaboration.
“Driven by my love for her class, I sought the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. Kucknoor. In the research setting, she mentored me, guiding me through the research process, and entrusting me with my own project. Her dedication to my growth was evident as she provided invaluable skills and support until I achieved successful results and was able to present my findings at two conferences.
“A testament to Dr. Kucknoor's commitment to her students was our recent experience at the American Society of Microbiology Texas Branch conference in Cedar Hill. Despite the 4 am departure and late-night return at 12 am the next day, Dr. Kucknoor ensured that we had every opportunity to showcase our work and make the most out of the experience. This selfless act encapsulates her nature of putting her students first and going above and beyond to see them succeed.”
Dr. Robert Vallin (Mathematics)