2026 Marinus Smith Award Winners

Andie Weber

"[Professor Weber] made it possible to grow without fear. She helped me feel capable. Professor Weber has not only strengthened my writing but also inspired my future. Because of her, I am now pursuing the goal of becoming a creative writing professor myself. That is the lasting impact of a truly exceptional educator."

Andie Weber

Dr. Benjamin Kirshner

"Dr. Kirshner has significantly advanced the quality of our education by fostering a classroom environment that is intellectually rigorous, engaging, and inclusive. Dr. Kirshner ensures students feel supported, pushes them to grow, while also holding them to high academic standards. His dedication directly strengthens the student experience and elevates academic culture within the education department. He consistently models the integrity and ethical conduct that 91ý strives to instill in its students."

Dr. Benjamin Kirshner

Dr. Christy-Dale Maurer Sims

"Professor Sims has been an amazing professor to learn from and work with! I took Communication Theory (COMM 3210) from her in Spring 2025 and I loved getting to hear her lecture. She made sure to keep a lively energy and convey that all students were supported whether through Canvas or in-person. She would always make an effort to stop by to chat with students before and during class. She even alters the class to accommodate the students including taking suggestions and responses from the students, acknowledging events happening presently in the real world, and meeting students where they are academically. You can really tell she cares for her students and wants to show they are being heard."

Dr. Christy-Dale Maurer Sims

Dr. Nancy Billica

"[Dr. Billica] pours passion and enthusiasm into her presentations. Dr. Billica’s students certainly leave the classroom feeling empowered. Dr. Billica emphasizes her hopefulness in the action of her students as she believes that we can make positive differences. She is truly making an impact on future researchers, learners, and leaders. When altering my schedule two years ago, I was incredibly lucky to have joined a class taught by Dr. Billica, and the University of Colorado Boulder is even luckier to have her as a member of its faculty. I will be forever grateful for her guidance, and I know that her mentorship will continue to motivate and inspire others."

Nancy Billica

Emily Ekart, MPH

"[Emily] cares about students, and she is very knowledgeable about how to help students based on their situations. She supports students who are struggling in school so they can get back on track. In this way, she advances education, and while many students were often ignored by their professors when they came to us, she makes sure that we as staff listen to students and show we care, and she offers support for every student and makes sure they get the resources they need."

Emily Ekart

Kevin Lane

"Kevin Lane was the Teaching Assistant in my daughter Mara's recitation for the Principles of Programming Languages course in the College of Engineering, one of the required courses in her Computer Science dual major. The first thing Mara told me was that she wouldn't have survived the challenging class without Kevin. She says he is amazing at explaining things. He breaks problems into small pieces to make sure everyone understands. He cares deeply that his students actually learn the subject, not just go through the motions to pass a test. Kevin is a graduate student who really is looking forward to teaching after he finishes his degree, and Mara thinks he has what it takes to be an amazing professor! We want to recognize him and wish him all the best."

Kevin Lane

Dr. Nirav S. Patel

"I am nominating Dr. Patel because I believe that he exemplifies what all professors should strive to be. Not only is he a talented educator, he is also an incredibly thoughtful, humble, and genuine human being. His lectures are engaging and he truly wants for his students to succeed and he will go out of his way to help any students in need of guidance or support. More than this, Dr. Patel puts into perspective how our studies may be impactful in the world and encourages every student to be the best version of themselves."

Nirav Patel

Dr. Novella Keeling

"Dr. Keeling is the most impactful teacher I have ever known.While there are many professors who are passionate about their subjects, Dr. Keeling pairs that passion with a deep understanding of pedagogy and an unwavering commitment to her students’ success.Beyond instilling a love of chemistry, Dr. Keeling has inspired me to become a better version of myself, which is the hallmark of a truly outstanding professor."

Dr. Novella Keeling

Paul Diduch

"Dr. Diduch is a phenomenal professor and he is the reason I am succeeding as a student at Boulder. He ignites passion in his students and is equally invested in the discussions as they are. Dr. Diduch's efforts to help his students deserve to be known and I am always encouraging my peers to enroll in his courses if they can."

Paul Diduch

R. Kōnane Bay

"Dr. Bay has always gone above and beyond both within and outside the classroom to ensure all of her students have the tools necessary to succeed in a course that is incredibly difficult.I am nominating Professor Kōnane Bay for the Marinus Smith Awards because I believe she truly embodies the qualities of an award winner; due to her dedication to students, regardless of who they are and where their education stands, she inspires, educates, and motivates the ChBE community through innovation and passion."

R. Kōnane Bay

Stan Hickory

"Stan is the kind of leader who changes the trajectory of a student’s life and then shrugs it off like it was just another Tuesday. As the head of the New Venture Challenge in Boulder, he has built far more than a competition. Stan sources good for the world by empowering builders. He inspires bold thinking, disciplined execution, and a commitment to creating value beyond profit. His impact will echo through the ventures he has shaped and the lives he has elevated for years to come."

Stan Hickory