Mativo receives university's highest early career teaching honor

John Mativo, an associate professor in the Department of Career and Information Studies, was named a recipient of the Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the university’s highest early career teaching honor.

Along with two other faculty members, Mativo will receive a $7,500 cash award and be honored at the Faculty Recognition Banquet during Honors Week.

“This year’s Russell Award recipients combine innovation in the classroom with a heartfelt commitment to student success,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Pamela Whitten, whose office administers the awards. “They inspire students and exemplify the University of Georgia’s unrivaled learning environment.”

Mativo, who joined the UGA faculty in 2007, prepares future teachers for the increased emphasis in schools on the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He has helped develop STEM curriculum using robotics for middle school education. Mativo also teaches several courses in the College of Engineering that help future engineers learn complex dynamics systems and apply the knowledge to inspired industry problems.

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