March 29, 2017 - 2016-2017 Professional Achievement Honors

To: Campus Community

From: President Gayle E. Hutchinson

As per the recommendation of the Faculty Recognition and Support Committee, I would like to announce the selection of six faculty for the 2016–17 Professional Achievement Honors. This honor recognizes faculty who have excelled as teachers and scholars during the past three years. The honorees will be recognized at the Recognition Awards and Honors Reception hosted by Research and Sponsored Programs on Thursday, April 20 from 5–7 p.m. on the fourth floor of Meriam Library.

Dr. Eric Bartelink, professor of physical anthropology and director of the CSU, Chico Human Identification Laboratory, serves as the president of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. He is the youngest board-certified anthropologist to serve as president in the history of the organization. He is the 2014 recipient of the very competitive American Academy of Forensic Sciences Humanitarian and Human Rights Grant; and he is exploring cutting-edge forensic science as a recipient of the 2016 Analysis of Human Bones from Fort Mason, Phase I, Golden Gate National Park Grant. Dr. Bartelink’s contributions to the field are immense. In the past two years alone, he has coauthored three books and published eight peer-reviewed journal articles, in addition to several non-peer-reviewed publications and dozens of presentations. He also received the 2016 Research Impact Award at Chico State.

Dr. Gregory Watkins, professor of mechanical and mechatronic engineering, has research interests in computer-based simulation tools and their application to complex problems in solid mechanics, thermal systems, and fluid flow. He also has studied and published on the pedagogy of teaching these tools at the undergraduate level. He is an excellent role model for younger professors seeking tenure and promotion. Dr. Watkins has presented at numerous conferences and has published in many engineering journals, including the Computers in Education Journal and the International Journal of Engineering Education. He has mentored younger faculty members and helped them submit technical papers to conferences. Dr. Watkins has developed a strong relationship with numerous industrial partners that provide funding and support for the Capstone Design Program in mechanical and mechatronic engineering. The relationships provide real-world, hands-on experiences for senior engineering students and also create the potential for internships and full-time employment after graduation.

Dr. Michelle Givertz, associate professor of communication arts and sciences, is an exemplary scholar who has established a significant, impactful and prolific body of work. Dr. Givertz has developed a timely and topical line of research that explores the impact of developmentally inappropriate parenting practices during emergent adulthood and the consequences for the young adult. In the past three years, she has published seven coauthored articles in highly regarded communication and psychology journals, a coauthored book chapter, and an encyclopedia entry. The Los Angeles Times and Psychology Today have both featured essays on her research. The quality and impact of her scholarship are considerable. Without grant support or release time, Dr. Givertz brings her research products and processes to the classroom. She is a scholar of the highest caliber whose continual quest for contributing to and extending our knowledge of interpersonal relationships elevates our University’s reputation, as well as our students’ understanding of the importance and relevance of research.

Dr. Patrick Doyle, professor in animal science and program coordinator for the College of Agriculture, has an outstanding grant and publication record, and excels as a classroom instructor. He has served as the primary or co-primary investigator for more than $915,000 in grants. He has published one textbook, two refereed journal articles, and more than 16 abstracts, technical reports, and proceedings. Without an on-campus graduate program in the college, Dr. Doyle brings his research into the classroom, recruiting and supporting undergraduate research opportunities. He is co-coach of the Western Section and National Champion American Society of Animal Science Quadrathlon Team and the National Collegiate Beef Quiz Bowl National Champion Team. Dr. Doyle promotes and contributes to the international recognition of Chico State.

Dr. Brian Brazeal, associate professor of anthropology, is a pioneer in his field. He founded and currently directs the Advanced Laboratory for Visual Anthropology, the first facility to incorporate digital cinema technology into anthropological research. This cutting-edge technology allows Brazeal and his students to communicate the results of that research to broad audiences through television broadcast. His enthusiasm for his field of study is eclipsed only by his contribution to the field. He brings his scholarship to others through both published scholarship and documentary films. In the past three years, he has published five journal articles, directed one film, and produced three others, while still engaging in non-peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. He explores new territory in cultural anthropology and has a particular expertise in the international gem trade. His film Illusions in Stone has screened in film festivals in the United States and abroad, and is being distributed across PBS stations. He also produced the film The Impact of the Frolic, which won an Emmy Award.

Dr. DingXin Cheng, professor of civil engineering and 2017–2019 John F. O’Connell Endowed Chair, has excelled in research and externally funded projects since his arrival at Chico State. In just three years, he is the primary investigator or co-principal investigator on grant projects totaling more than $2 million. Through his active research, he has established a national and international reputation in the areas of pavement preservation and pavement materials. He has authored or coauthored more than 100 technical reports, conference papers, and journal articles. In addition to his scholarly works, he has mentored many student research assistants, giving them valuable experience in both the field and lab settings. He is currently writing a textbook to compile his knowledge and research experience and apply it to the practice of transportation engineering. He previously won the Outstanding Research Mentor Award and Outstanding Project Director Award in 2013 and 2011, respectively.

Please join me in congratulating these outstanding faculty members who work so diligently every day to ensure our students’ success.