The Department of Neurology is excited to introduce an annual tradition of acknowledging members of our staff for their dedication, innovation, and excellence in service. Four award categories have been established and nominations are asked of faculty, leadership and managers. The 2025 recipients were announced at a first-ever all-staff meeting that occurred on May 12. We are thrilled to instill this tradition and celebrate the inaugural group of nominees and awardees (in bold) below.
Innovation and Impact Award
Purpose: Rewards staff who introduce innovative ideas, improve processes, or significantly impact the institution.
Criteria: Creativity, initiative, problem-solving, and tangible results. Achieved tangible improvements in operations, service delivery, student or staff experience, or institutional outcomes. Demonstrates originality in problem-solving or in responding to evolving needs. Proactively identified a need or opportunity and took ownership in addressing it. Work aligns with and advances the institution’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
2025 Nominees
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Christopher Wickware, Research Technician III
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Zachary Caffall, Senior Lab Research Analyst
Excellence in Clinical Experience Award
Purpose: This award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates exceptional performance in enhancing the clinical experience through collaboration, innovation, and a patient-centered focus.
Criteria: Ensures smooth coordination of clinical schedules, placements, onboarding, and resources. Demonstrates reliability, accuracy, and responsiveness in handling clinical logistics. Anticipates and solves problems that may disrupt patient care. Contributes to an environment that prioritizes patient safety and satisfaction. Collaborates effectively with faculty, clinical staff, and patients. Demonstrates a positive, lasting impact on the clinical experience through their role.
2025 Nominees
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Ashley Ladd, Administrative Assistant
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Amanda Stone, Staff Assistant
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Erica Romero, Provider Support Assistant
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Janay Wynder, Staff Assistant
Excellence in Research or Teaching Award
Purpose: Recognizes non-faculty professionals whose contributions significantly enhance the institution’s research or educational mission. This award honors staff members who demonstrate outstanding commitment, creativity, and impact in supporting research initiatives, advancing teaching and learning, or both.
Whether through direct instruction, research coordination, academic support, or innovation in learning environments, these individuals go above and beyond in their roles. Their work strengthens student success, empowers faculty, and helps drive a culture of academic and scholarly excellence across the institution.
Criteria:
- Research: Tailored specifically for non-faculty staff who contribute significantly to research success—such as research coordinators, lab managers, analysts, or administrative professionals in research roles. Provides exceptional operational, technical, or administrative support for research projects. Demonstrates high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism in research-related work. Plays a key role in producing high-quality research outputs (e.g., data collection, analysis, manuscript support). Fosters a positive, productive research environment through effective collaboration with investigators, students, and peers. Provides guidance, training, or mentorship to junior staff, students, or team members in research. Recognized by peers, supervisors, or external stakeholders for contributions to research excellence.
- Teaching: Contribute meaningfully to teaching and learning—through coordination, support services, scheduling, student engagement, and behind-the-scenes excellence that helps teaching happen smoothly. Provides seamless administrative support for teaching operations (e.g., course scheduling, materials, classroom support). Demonstrates exceptional commitment to student success through communication, advising coordination, or support services. Develops or enhances systems, tools, or workflows that improve teaching administration.
2025 Nominees
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Malak Fouani, Postdoctoral Associate
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Gina Murray, GME Administrative Coordinator
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Debbie Dahnke, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
Excellence in Administrative Service Award
Purpose: This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding performance, dedication, and professionalism in an administrative support role.
Criteria: Exemplify exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and a commitment to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the department. Efforts not only enhance productivity but foster a positive, collaborative environment. Routinely practices clear communication, adaptability, and effective management of time.
2025 Nominees
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Morgan Carter, Administrative Manager
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Kim Foreman, Staff Assistant