Elizabeth Bojsza and Tara Rider have been named the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Lecturer Award at Stony Brook University. The annual award, presented by the Provost’s Office, honors full-time lecturers who have shown excellence in teaching, service, and professional development.
Bojsza serves as an assistant professor of practice in the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) and is affiliated with the Alda Center for Communicating Science. She played a key role in developing SoCJ’s graduate programs as its first graduate program director. Bojsza was instrumental in creating the school’s first graduate program—an advanced graduate certificate in science communication—and has designed courses that combine communication skills with improvisational theater to enhance science communication.
Laura Lindenfeld, dean of SoCJ and executive director of the Alda Center, said, “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. 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 is a senior lecturer and director of the environmental studies undergraduate program at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). During her tenure at Stony Brook University, Rider has contributed to updating several academic programs. She developed the Semester by the Sea program at Southampton campus and leads a semi-annual study abroad initiative to Ireland and England focused on environmental issues.
Paul Shepson, dean of SoMAS, stated: “There are four words that encapsulate Tara Rider and her impact for our students: energy, enthusiasm, excitement and excellence. 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.”
Mónica Bugallo, vice provost for faculty and academic staff development and professor of electrical and computer engineering said: “It is an honor to recognize Elizabeth Bojsza and Tara Rider with the Provost’s Outstanding Lecturer Award. 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.”