Four social scientists at UC Santa Cruz were honored for teaching and research today (Tuesday, October 7) during the annual fall convocation hosted by the dean of the Division of Social Sciences.
Recipients of the division's 2007-08 Distinguished Teaching Awards are:
. Gabriela Arredondo, associate professor of Latin American and Latino studies
. E. Melanie DuPuis, professor of sociology
. Daniel Press, professor of environmental studies
Established in 1991 to recognize outstanding undergraduate teaching in the social sciences, the awards are known informally as the "Golden Apple Awards" and carry a $2,500 cash prize, which was split equally among the recipients. The dean selects recipients from a list of recommendations compiled by a faculty committee based on nominations put forth by department chairs. The committee, chaired by sociology professor Andrew Szasz, consisted of associate professor of psychology Heather Bullock, environmental studies professor Alan Richards, and research associate professor of community studies Andrea Steiner.
In addition, economics professor Daniel Friedman received the 2008 Martin M. Chemers Award for Outstanding Research in the Division of Social Sciences. The award was established last year by social sciences dean Sheldon Kamieniecki to honor the contributions of Chemers, a professor of psychology and former acting chancellor of UCSC. It recognizes a senior faculty member who has made a major impact on her or his discipline through research and publications. Friedman works in the areas of experimental/laboratory-based economics, learning behavior and evolutionary game theory, fairness and social institutions, and their role in efficient economies. He received $2,500 and a plaque.
The following awards were also presented during the convocation:
2008 Outstanding Staff Awards in the Division of Social Sciences (each recipient received a $1,500 award and a plaque):
Fred Deakin, graduate coordinator in anthropology
Joan Peterson, undergraduate advisor in community studies
Milam-McGinty-Kaun Award for Distinguished Teaching ($1,000 each):
Jia-Yuh Chen of economics
Kimberly Cardilla of psychology
The Walsh Family Scholarship in the Division of Social Sciences ($1,300 each):
Ransom Hennefer of economics
Albert Yusdi Putra of economics
Weiss Family Scholarships ($1,000 each):
Katherine Hayden
Carolyn Steinle
Daniel Zarchy (2007 recipient)