Two Faculty Named 2025 Stony Brook Outstanding Lecturers
Two Stony Brook University faculty members have been awarded this year’s Outstanding Lecturer Award.
The recipients are Elizabeth Bojsza, an assistant professor of practice in the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) and Alda Center for Communicating Science, and Tara Rider, senior lecturer and director of the environmental studies undergraduate program in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS).
The award, given annually by the Provost’s Office, recognizes significant and ongoing contributions to the university’s educational mission and honors a full-time lecturer who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, service and professional development.
“It is an honor to recognize Elizabeth Bojsza and Tara Rider with the Provost’s Outstanding Lecturer Award,” said Mónica Bugallo, vice provost for faculty and academic staff development and professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Their dedication and inspiration to student learning, academic excellence, and service exemplify the important role lecturers play in advancing the university’s educational mission and serving as role models within our academic community.”
Elizabeth Bojsza
Bojsza is an assistant professor of practice and helped to build the SoCJ’s graduate programs as its first graduate program director.
Bojsza helped to create the School’s first graduate program, an advanced graduate certificate in science communication, and has designed courses that integrate the Alda Center’s unique blend of communication and improvisational theater to facilitate effective science communication.
“Throughout her time at the university, Elizabeth has been a model of dedicated and intentional teaching, creating learning communities with her students that are productive and engaging. She also initiates and contributes to faculty conversations around best practices in teaching, curriculum design and revision, and seeks out professional development opportunities to continue to improve her practice,” said Laura Lindenfeld, dean of the SoCJ and executive director of the Alda Center. “Elizabeth embodies a balance between preparation and adaptability that is key in the art of teaching, a quality that is appreciated by her students.”
Tara Rider
Rider is a senior lecturer and director of the environmental studies undergraduate program at SoMAS.
In her time at Stony Brook, Rider has helped to develop or update a number of programs including updating the environmental studies program, creating the Semester by the Sea program at the Southampton campus, and leading a semi-annual study abroad program to Ireland and England focused on environmental issues.
“There are four words that encapsulate Tara Rider and her impact for our students: energy, enthusiasm, excitement and excellence,” said Paul Shepson, dean of SoMAS. “Our students should meet people who change their lives, drive them forward, and help them learn that they are capable of doing amazing things, and making the world a better place. More than anything, Dr. Rider inspires students to go farther than they ever thought possible.”