Dean's Excellence Award spotlight offers insight into 2025 winners

Dario Palmieri, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, received the Distinguished Foundational Science Educator Award for his innovative teaching methods that foster critical thinking.

Your curriculum development has been recognized for profoundly impacting leaners. What’s your approach?

My goal is to deliver dynamic lectures, which include enthusiastic and well-structured instruction that encourage meaningful scientific discussions. This is imperative in the delivery of the college’s Lead.Serve.Inspire. foundational curriculum and the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP) 7000 series. Serving as a role model for shaping how cancer biology and genetics are taught continues to bring me much joy and personal and professional fulfillment. I am passionate about developing new tools to study cell biology, especially using CRISPR-based approaches.

How do you help build productive, supportive learning environments?

By connecting with learners and building relationships that allow me to deliver high-quality education that resonates with learners in different ways and furthers our insight into biology so we can all work to develop new therapeutic approaches. I tailor and implement curriculum that aligns with current scientific advancements and industry needs which enhances our program’s relevance and rigor.

Samantha Schnitzer, Education Programs Director in the Department of Radiology, received the Distinguished Staff Award for her vision and meticulous attention to detail in managing a diverse array of programs and overseeing the daily administrative, programmatic and operational activities of multiple fellowships, residencies and medical student programs.

How did you transition in-person educational activities to virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I implemented a comprehensive virtual recruitment strategy that not only preserved but enhanced the department’s ability to attract exceptional trainees, thereby upholding its tradition of excellence. In parallel, I led the successful transition of in-person educational activities to high-quality virtual formats. I believe my leadership ensured that the department maintained its rigorous educational standards while adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing learning environment.

How has your work helped shape the future of radiology professionals?

My commitment to education, inclusivity, and innovation has positioned me as a leader in advancing educational programming and enhancing trainee recruitment within the Department of Radiology. Through extensive experience and forward-thinking leadership, I have fostered an environment where both learners and educational staff are empowered to thrive in a continually evolving field. This dedication has been recognized nationally, culminating in my receipt of the 2025 Association of Program Coordinators and American College of Radiology Outstanding Coordinator of the Year Award.

Arwa Shana’ah, MD, clinical professor of Pathology, received the Inclusive Excellence Award, recognizing more than 25 years of service as a leader promoting the unique skills and experiences of faculty, staff and learners. Her work has transformed her department and has created a more inclusive environment.

Where did your work to launch programs to enhance cultural awareness and inclusion begin?

It began with the Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) group where I served as chair and co-chair of the WIMS Awards and Events Subcommittees. I was then appointed as DEI director and vice chair for Pathology where I helped launch grand rounds on DEI topics, arranged DEI focused workshops and organized lunch-and-learn events and Taste of Pathology potluck, all of which were very well attended and highly appreciated by faculty, trainees and staff.

What are some key factors of the DEI curriculum you’ve helped create for residents? How does WIMS support women across the spectrum of academic medicine and research?

I lead implicit bias training related to recruiting trainees that focuses on raising awareness, reflection, providing practical skills and fostering ongoing learning and accountability. This work builds a sense of equity and community in our department. I initiated outreach to schools with underserved children to raise awareness of careers in science and medicine. I even created a credit system for the curriculum where each resident receives points based on participation in DEI initiatives.

By addressing gender equity, recruitment and retention, awards and recognition, and career advancement. We do this by maintaining a transparent and accessible membership model with three tiers — general, advocate/ally and subcommittee — all with the goal of supporting the mission to identify and actively reduce barriers to the professional success of women in medicine and science.