Three Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine faculty members were honored with Faculty Senate Awards at this year’s FIU Faculty Convocation Awards Ceremony, recognizing their excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The annual event celebrates faculty whose dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on students and the university community.
See all photos from the awards ceremony
Excellence in Teaching: Nana Aisha Garba, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor and supervising faculty physician for the Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program, fosters a safe, supportive learning environment where students can make mistakes and grow without judgment. Driven by a passion for teaching, Garba builds strong personal connections with her students. She gauges their readiness to learn, welcomes frequent feedback, and treats teaching as a collaborative experience with students and colleagues, allowing her methods and ideas to evolve continuously.
Dr. Noël Barengo, and FIU Provost Elizabeth Béjar at the Faculty Convocation Awards Ceremony.
Excellence in Research & Creative Activities: Associate Professor Rakesh Ravikumaran Nair, M.D., reimagines anatomy education as a bridge between science, art, and empathy. His innovative courses invite students to view the human body as a profound teacher of the human experience. His students’ reflections have inspired sketches, poems, essays, 3D-printed models, and research presented at national conferences.
Excellence in Advising and Mentorship: Professor Tracey Weiler, Ph.D., leads genetics education across the medical curriculum and serves as academic director of the Graduate Certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Science. As a faculty academic counselor, she provides tailored strategies to help medical students overcome challenges and succeed. Known for her accessibility and supportive approach, she fosters a trusting environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance. Weiler also meets with graduate students each semester to offer academic and career advising, collaborating with them to develop improvement plans and chart their academic paths.