Valparaiso University Recognizes Professor for Excellence in Teaching

May 3, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Lara Pudwell ’03, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and statistics, received the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award for advising undergraduate students in mathematical research.

Pudwell joined the Valparaiso University faculty in 2008, and has mentored numerous year-long research projects with more than 40 Valpo and external students, leading to presentations at the University’s Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression and refereed publications. Pudwell served as the principal investigator of Valpo’s National Science Foundation-funded summer research programs from 2010 to 2019, leading six teams of students in mathematics research projects.

The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes undergraduate faculty for general teaching excellence, with particular attention to excellence in any of three areas: course development, pedagogy and mentoring/advising. The award is presented by Valpo’s Committee to Enhance Learning and Teaching and comes with a $3,000 prize.

Pudwell has also received national recognition from the Council on Undergraduate Research and the Mathematical Association of America. At Valpo she received several awards for advising organizations, including the Mark R. Schwehn Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and the Award for Outstanding Support of Fraternity and Sorority Life.