Cal Poly Recognizes 10 Faculty and Staff Members for Excellence

From left, Gary Laver, Faculty Senate president, Joi Sullivan, ASI (student body) president, Jeffrey Armstrong, Cal Poly president, Camille P. O’Bryant, Matthew Moore, both teaching award winners, Jesse Maddren, philanthropy award recipient, Jean DeCosta, Outstanding Staff Award, Stephen Klisch, scholarship award, Craig Stubler, staff award, John Oliver, faculty advisor of the year, Pat Fidopiastis, teaching award, Tammy S. Martin, staff award, and Provost Kathleen Enz Finken. David Marshall is not pictured. | Credit: Jay Thompson/Cal Poly

Cal Poly recently honored 10 faculty and staff members for service excellence in the classroom and for their support roles at the university.

“These awards recognize and celebrate Cal Poly’s dedicated faculty and staff who play a pivotal role in the success of our students and our Learn by Doing experience,” said President Jeffrey D. Armstrong. “Our faculty and staff are the reason Cal Poly remains a top choice for our students who go on to become leaders and innovators in their respective fields.”

The awardees were nominated by peers and in some cases by their very own students.

Stephen Klisch, a mechanical engineering professor, and David Marshall, who teaches aerospace engineering, received the university’s Distinguished Scholarship Award for 2013-14 at the Fall Conference ceremony held in September. The award recognizes faculty for including students in their research projects and for their subject expertise at the local, state and national levels. 

Klisch, a recognized pioneer in biomechanical computer modeling of the growth of cartilage, developed biomechanical engineering methods to prevent and treat osteoarthritis, a leading cause of disability. The San Luis Obispo resident innovative approaches to understanding cartilage growth and computer modeling have the potential to reduce individuals’ suffering and the associated economic cost to society.

Marshall’s research focus is on improved modeling techniques to design quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft — including the NASA-sponsored AMELIA (Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics) that could revolutionize commercial air transportation. He lives in San Luis Obispo

Three professors, who were nominated by students and alumni, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for work in the classroom.

Camille P. O’Bryant of the Kinesiology Department was honored for creating a challenging and a spirited class environment to engage students and facilitate great discussions. She lives in Atascadero.

Pat Fidopiastis’ passion and enthusiasm for his science classes makes students want to learn. The associate professor in the Biological Sciences Department sets the bar high for his students and challenges them to meet his expectations. He lives in San Luis Obispo.

Matt Moore, an associate professor in the Political Science Department creates a learning  environment that supports and encourages creativity and comprehension. The Los Osos resident encourages students to voice their perspectives by the tone he sets in classroom.

John Oliver, an associate professor of electrical engineering, received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Year Award, which recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. 

The San Luis Obispo resident conveys enthusiasm and approachability to students, whether serving as advisor to a student team, working on an experiment, or counseling a freshman about his or her class schedule. 

Jesse Maddren, a mechanical engineering professor who heads the Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning Program, received the 2014 Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy, which recognizes superior achievement in fundraising by current and former faculty members.

His dedication and collaborative efforts since 2001 helped establish an endowment, now valued at $1.6 million, that has revived and transformed Cal Poly’s HVAC program into one of the best. He lives in San Luis Obispo.

Dean of Students Jean DeCosta, Tammy S. Martin, an engineering career counselor, and Craig Stubler, an instructional support technician, were honored for their dedication, expertise and contributions to Cal Poly with the annual Outstanding Staff Award.

DeCosta, a 20-year university veteran, earned kudos for work as a student advocate who cares deeply about their success on- and off-campus. The Atascadero resident often provides the personal connection to students and families in times of crisis by offering support, guidance and direction. 

Martin’s contributions to the university go beyond her duties of managing the demands of the College of Engineering, the largest college on campus. The San Luis Obispo resident was cited for her dedication and productivity, and for being a team player.

Stubler, who oversees the laboratory in the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department, was honored for his knowledge of analytical soil chemistry and soil science, and expertise in analytical instrumentation that has helped to improve the safety and efficiency in the lab for students and faculty. He lives in San Miguel.