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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has named Maurina L. Aranda, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, as the recipient of the 2025 Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award. The annual award recognizes tenured faculty who contribute original research or creative activities and integrate that research or creative activity into their teaching activities. The award selection committee recognized Aranda’s strong commitment to inclusive teaching, student-centered research and mentorship that advances student success in STEM disciplines.

“I’m deeply honored to be receiving the Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award and to be recognized for the work that is so closely connected to why I became an educator,” said Aranda. “This award affirms the value of my work that intentionally connects teaching, research and mentoring in service of SIUE students.”

Aranda’s scholarship focuses on understanding how students experience STEM learning environments and using that knowledge to improve teaching practices. Her work centers on amplifying student voices to design learning spaces where students feel valued, supported and capable of succeeding.

The committee unanimously selected Aranda, citing her exceptional impact as a teacher-scholar and her leadership of transformative initiatives, including the Student STEM Ambassador program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute-funded projects, mentorship of underrepresented students, co-authorship of publications with students and fostering high levels of student engagement in research.
“Dr. Aranda’s work exemplifies the teacher-scholar model through innovative, student-centered approaches that integrate scholarship with teaching to improve student outcomes,” said the committee.

In the classroom and through mentoring, Aranda hopes students gain both academic confidence and a sense of belonging.
“I hope that students leave my courses believing that they belong in STEM and that their identities and perspectives are valued,” said Aranda. “Through my mentoring, I want students to feel supported and empowered to take ownership of their own journeys forward.”
Aranda emphasized that the work recognized by the award is deeply collaborative. She acknowledged her student mentees, colleagues in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Psychology and the STEM Center.

“I’m deeply thankful to be part of a community that values teaching, mentorship and student success,” said Aranda.

Photo: Maurina Aranda