Four arts and sciences faculty members received the university’s 2012 Distinguished Scholar Award, which recognizes exceptional scholarly accomplishment by senior professors and is supported by Ohio State’s Office of Research:

Janet Box-Steffenmeier, Vernal Riffe Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science—Box-Steffenmeier is a leading scholar in American politics and political methodology. Her studies of mass politics, legislatures and political methodology have provided substantive understanding of these areas  while fostering advances in research methodology and ways to capture change and dynamics.

Louis DiMauro, professor, Department of Physics –DiMauro’s work in atomic physics focuses on the interaction between atoms and intense laser pulses on an atomic timescale (attoseconds). Recently, his team recorded the first real-time image of two atoms vibrating in a molecule, using a new ultrafast camera. This is a first step toward both observing chemical reactions and controlling them on an atomic scale.

Vincent J. Roscigno, professor, Department of Sociology—Roscigno studies social stratification, work, education, and culture; using historical, qualitative, and quantitative methods. His work re-examines theories of power and their relevance in the contemporary world, looking at workplace discrimination surrounding race, sex and age; and the dynamics of workplace bullying and abuse.

Anita Hopper, professor and chair, Department of Molecular Genetics--Hopper is an international leader in RNA research. Her studies on intracellular trafficking of tRNAs showing that tRNAs move retrograde from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and accumulate there under particular stress conditions was a surprising, and revolutionary, discovery.

Nominated by their departments, scholars are chosen by a committee of senior faculty, including past award recipients. Distinguished Scholars receive a $3,000 honorarium and a $20,000 research grant to be used over the next three years.

Four arts and sciences faculty members received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, which recognizes outstanding teaching by faculty members, who are nominated by their students.

Robin Rice, associate professor, School of Music—Rice, whose students have performed with over 70 opera companies and symphony orchestras, cite his attentiveness, vast knowledge of vocal techniques, and encouragement; as one said, “I have discovered my voice under his tutelage and feel prepared to embark on a professional career in opera.”

Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor, Department of History—Jeffries’ students praise his teaching style which centers on the belief that effective teaching is a collaborative effort between the instructor and the student; students say “his accessibility goes beyond the classroom, and he is genuinely interested in our progress.”

David Herman, professor, Department of English—Many of Herman’s students see him as “the most approachable, student-centered, responsive professor they have had at Ohio State,” and as a “model for my own teaching.” Several cite the fact that it was a thrill to be taught by a scholar who is considered “a rock star in the world of narrative theory.”

Mark Kleffner, professor, School of Earth Sciences—A student nominator said, “I hated science through school. It was dull, way too complex, and was just not for me. And then I enrolled in Earth Science 100 with Dr. Kleffner...he can put a spin on the information that makes it enjoyable. I never believed I would do well in a science course, let alone walk away with a personal interest in the subject—which I did.”