Colorado State University is all about student success – it’s part of our land-grant mission, fosters the next generation of leaders and fuels our energy as we lead into the future.
And when it comes to creating opportunities and supporting students as they strive for success, we would be lost if not for the amazing teachers who know a good education, great teaching, and student success all go hand in hand. That’s why on March 26, we’re celebrating the best of the best at the annual Best Teacher Awards.
Registration and more information
To register and more information, visit alumni.colostate.edu/best-teacher-awards.
Each year, students, faculty, and alumni nominate teachers who’ve inspired them and made an impact in their lives. This year, the recipients of the Best Teacher Awards represent five colleges, six departments, and have been collectively teaching at CSU for 56 years. But the recipients of the 2024 Best Teacher Awards do so much more than just teach – they guide students on their academic journeys, create a love for learning, and shape the future. We think that’s worth celebrating.
Organized by the Colorado State University Alumni Association, event tickets are available – $5 for students, $15 for Alumni Association members, and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets include a plated dinner and dessert.
Ramadan Abdunabi, Ph.D. (M.C.S., ’10; Ph.D., ’13)
College of Business, Department of Computer Information Systems
Holding an M.C.S. and Ph.D. in computer science from Colorado State University, Dr. Ramadan Abdunabi became a CSU faculty in 2015. He is passionate about teaching as a means to elevate both himself and the world. He aims to inspire students to explore their purpose and potential by teaching beyond knowledge transmission alone. Dr. Abdunabi emphasizes real-world experience and mentors students in field projects and internships. His promotion of inclusive education guarantees students with diverse abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles have equal access to quality education. Dr. Abdunabi’s research focuses on software engineering and computer security, particularly in creating efficient, secure resource access to sensitive data. Additionally, Dr. Abdunabi explores the use of technology as an intervention to enhance teaching and learning methodologies.
“Professor Abdunabi’s unwavering commitment to CSU and its students resonates through his multifaceted dedication. He consistently pioneers innovative teaching methodologies, ensuring an expectational standard of education that captivates and engages students. It was invigorating to be part of a classroom environment where collaboration and dialogue were encouraged.”
– Neethu Choudary, graduate student (’25)
Lorie Barker, OTD, OTR, CHT (B.S., ’98)
College of Health and Human Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy
Lorie Barker graduated from Colorado State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy. She has more than 25 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist, with an emphasis in upper extremity rehabilitation, and is currently working in a dynamic outpatient clinic specializing in the management of upper extremity conditions. Barker served in the military for more than 10 years as a first-line provider and neuromusculoskeletal evaluator where she gained extensive experience in managing traumatic upper extremity injuries. As a teacher and guest lecturer, Barker is invested in helping nurture the future of occupational therapy.
“Even in those 8 a.m. classes, Dr. Barker is extremely engaging and strives to ensure we understand the material and know how to apply it. She has motivated me to push myself harder to learn more, and I am thankful to have such a knowledgeable and caring professor.”
– Julienne Harris-McMaster, graduate student (’26)
Shane Kanatous, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Shane Kanatous first became enamored with the ocean and marine life while watching the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau as a child. That love turned into a dream of becoming a marine biologist/physiologist, which led him to pursue a degree in marine science at Southampton College of Long Island University. Dr. Kanatous received his Ph.D. in exercise and skeletal muscle physiology from Texas A&M University, before joining the faculty at Colorado State University. As a teacher, Dr. Kanatous stresses to his students to do whatever it takes to achieve your dream and enjoy the journey getting there.
“Dr. Kanatous always encourages you to ask questions, and he encourages you to push through your comfort zone because he wants you to grow and become the best version of yourself. Volunteering in his lab has given me more confidence to accept challenges and grow as a researcher.”
– Catalina Mazariegos, senior (’24)
Traci Kinkel, Ph.D. (B.S., ’03)
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
Traci Kinkel graduated from CSU with a Bachelor of Science in microbiology in 2003. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology, focusing on molecular microbiology, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, in 2008. In the fall semester of 2019, Dr. Kinkel returned to CSU as instructor for the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. Dr. Kinkel enjoys sharing her passion about all things related to bacteria with her students. Being able to educate and inspire Rams on their path forward has been an exceptionally rewarding experience.
“Dr. Traci Kinkel is one of, if not the most influential scientists I know. I have gained so much confidence due to her guidance and encouragement because she fosters a community in which diversity is welcomed and embraced. She’s taught me passion is a huge component of being a successful scientist.”
– Olivia Lawson, freshman (’27)
Rosa Nam, Ph.D.
College of Liberal Arts, Department of English
Dr. Rosa Nam teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in English education including young adult literature. Her research centers on critical literacy, contemporary diverse adolescent literature, and book censorship. Her censorship research has been funded by the National Council of Teachers of English Intellectual Freedom Center. She is also a 2022-2024 Literacy Research Association STAR fellow. Before joining CSU, Dr. Nam worked with pre-service and in-service teachers and was a high school English teacher in Texas. Dr. Nam strives to build community in her classes and help her students embrace and leverage their strengths for meaningful learning.
“Dr. Nam goes above and beyond to ensure that every student gets what they need out of the class and teaches with equity and respect. Dr. Nam’s class is the one I look forward to in my day because I know I will truly be learning.”
– Ella Kobleur, junior (’25)
Samuel M. Tham, Ph.D.
College of Liberal Arts, Department of Journalism and Media Communication
Dr. Samuel M. Tham is a first-generation college student who earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and his M.A. from the University of Missouri. Before teaching, Tham founded an online gaming company and worked in advertising. His return to academia came from his passion for teaching – an important trait he learned from his father, Richard, who was also a teacher. Tham strives to bridge the gap between industry experience and skills with theoretical concept to his students and believes in the need to show kindness, to build critical thinking skills, and to have students demand more of themselves in their lives.
“Since my classwork is 100% online, I was pessimistic about the opportunity to form meaningful connections with my peers, but because of Dr. Tham, I was able to foster meaningful connections and make lifelong friends. His mentorship has been a source of inspiration, offering valuable feedback and providing profound insights.”
– Anya Enloe, graduate student (’24)
