Three UH Hilo faculty members honored with teaching awards
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo honored three faculty with excellence in teaching awards during this year’s Spring Commencement held May 11.
Heng “Helen” Tien, instructor in marketing and management and coordinator of career development at the College of Business and Economics, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Tien joined UH Hilo in fall 2018 and quickly became a favorite with students for her style of teaching and dynamic personality. Students describe her as always being open to hear about new ideas or dreams and making every effort to help make them happen.
Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit, professor of pharmacy practice, received the UH Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award.
Prof. Supakit, as he is fondly known to students, has played a key role in the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy since he joined UH Hilo in 2008. He helped to develop at least seven didactic and experiential courses within the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) and doctor of philosophy in pharmaceutical sciences (PhD) programs. He is committed to creating a learning environment that embraces respect, openness, and creativity, and takes every opportunity to help his students grow and develop to be effective and caring professionals.
Matthew Knope, assistant professor of biology, received the Frances Davis award for Excellence in Teaching.
Assistant Prof. Knope joined UH Hilo in fall 2017 and quickly became known for putting teaching and his students as his highest priorities. Colleagues praise him for demonstrating his commitment and strong ability to integrate research and teaching and to directly involve students in his research. He is considered a natural and effective teacher and a rising star in the field of ecology and evolution.
Photos by Raiatea Arcuri, a professional photographer majoring in business at UH Hilo.
