It's All Chemistry...

Dr. Ramesh Chinnasamy receives 

Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence

Two faculty members from New Mexico State University's College of Arts and Sciences were honored with the prestigious Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence at a ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Milton Hall.  

“This recognition underscores the outstanding work of our faculty,” said Enrico Pontelli, dean of NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Dr. Chinnasamy and professor D’Antonio-Hangen exemplify the high standards we strive for at NMSU, and their impact on students is immeasurable. Their passion for teaching inspires excellence across campus.” 

Ramesh Chinnasamy, a college associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Ida D’Antonio-Hangen, a college assistant professor in criminal justice, were both selected to receive the award, which recognizes outstanding teaching and dedication to student success. 

Chinnasamy, whose research focuses on metal catalyzed synthetic methodology and their applications in organic chemistry and synthesizing molecules for cancer therapeutic practices, has been recognized for his approach towards teaching complex scientific concepts. He has created a dynamic classroom environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage with challenging material, and be successful. 

Shelley Lusetti, professor and head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, emphasized the importance of Chinnasamy’s work, “Ramesh, as well as all of our faculty and professors have done a great job of preparing our students for what comes next.” Lusetti said. “We are happy to have him in our department.” 

“To be changing the lives of these students and challenging our students and being a part of getting them to graduation, I am very happy, thank you for this award.” Chinnasamy said. 

NMSU Newsroom Full Article

Dr. Ryan Marcheschi has been nominated for the Faculty Mentor Award

"I had Dr. Marcheschi as my professor for the 2023 fall semester while his course on Biochemistry 1.  I really enjoyed his teaching style but what always intrigued me was how much of a passion he had for the course content along with how much he wanted us to succeed.  I was able to have an in-person appointment with him for a letter of recommendation in the future for internships/graduate school etc.  He is one of the very few professors I have taken in past courses where I could fully understand every concept he taught to our class and how he engaged his students.  Biochemistry is a difficult subject for most.  I believe that the way Dr. Marcheschi was able to fully explain the course material in a way that I had never really seen before helped me greatly to succeed in the course.  He would use PowerPoint slides to guide his lectures but was able to expand on the slides and describe how the lecture concepts related to our own cells/chemical processes by using familiar scenarios such as the chemical bonding of molecules with how football players would grab a football or how enzyme function was in essence like how our cars run to transport us from one place to another.  His teaching style and kind personality are why I chose to nominate him for the Faculty Mentorship Award."