2016 News
College of Education Faculty Member Recognized as Distinguished University Professor for 2016
(Tampa, Fla. July 5, 2016) — College of Education faculty member, Dana Zeidler, PhD, was recognized by the University of South Florida (USF) as a Distinguished University Professor (DUP) for 2016. The recognition was presented to three faculty members in the USF system to recognize them as individuals who have distinguished themselves among their peers both within and outside the University.
Each year at USF, faculty members are selected for DUP distinction through a process that involves an intensive internal and external review of the faculty member's credentials, and culminates in selection by a DUP Recommending Committee.
Zeidler joined USF in 1996 and currently serves as the program coordinator for Science Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning. His areas of expertise include socio-scientific issues, ethical issues, moral reasoning and reflective judgment within science education.
On receiving this distinction, Zeidler says it is an honor to be recognized by the university for the work he has been doing.
"It's nice that my home institution has recognized (my work in the field)," Zeidler said. "I've always loved USF and believe in its mission... and I'll do everything I can to wear (this recognition) well and represent both the college and the university as best as I can on the international stage."
Zeidler has authored more than 90 journal articles and book chapters, presented more than 70 conference papers, and has given keynote addresses and international talks in various countries around the world. In addition, he has been awarded more than $2 million in externally funded grants and contracts to advance the study of scientific literacy, and also serves as co-editor of the "Journal of Research in Science Teaching."
"The Distinguished University Professor designation honors both the work of Dr. Zeidler and Education as a field," said College of Education Dean Vasti Torres. "The College of Education is honored to support his nomination and this designation."
Zeidler and fellow USF faculty members who received DUP recognition — John Skvoretz, PhD, of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor John H. Adams, PhD, of the College of Public Health — will have their titles formally bestowed to them at the Faculty Honors and Awards ceremony to be held during the Fall 2016 semester.
About the USF College of Education:
The University of South Florida College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (formerly NCATE), and is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education. The USF College of Education is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 100 programs in the nation, as well as in the top 20 for online graduate programs. The USF College of Education has over 51,000 alumni who are making a difference in the lives of children each day.