The College of Social Sciences is proud to announce its faculty award recipients for their contributions to student success, research and service.

This year’s awardees are:

Teaching Award - Andrea Roach

The Child and Family Science Department associate professor has demonstrated a deeply student-centered teaching practice grounded in care, which was demonstrated at length by student comments and letters of support. Reviewers praised her carefully crafted classroom environment, strong mentorship of students, adaptable teaching style and ability to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where students felt supported and engaged.

Teaching Award Honorable Mention - Dr. Gloria Negrete-Lopez

The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies assistant professor utilizes an exciting and creative approach to teaching that reflects a commitment to her students, especially those in the BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ communities. Her student letters of support, along with her work with the feminist student organization P.O.W.E.R., highlight her dedication to teaching both inside and outside the classroom.

Service Award - Dr. Leece Lee-Oliver

The American Indian Studies Program coordinator and an associate professor in the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department was recognized for her work on behalf of tribal education and empowerment and university leadership. Her service on the College Assembly and Executive Committee and a long list of other efforts reflect a sustained commitment to both community engagement and institutional leadership.

Service Award Honorable Mention - Dr. Cierra Raine Sorin

The Sociology Department assistant professor owns a strong record of service centered on students, colleagues and the broader COSS community. Besides her leadership efforts, she has played active roles in initiatives like the Sociology Celebrates series and the COSS Honors Program.

Research Award - Dr. Naomi Bick

The Political Science Department assistant professor has compiled an outstanding record of research on local government policymaking, with particular emphasis on climate change and water issues affecting the Central Valley. Reviewers highlighted her research trajectory, including eight peer-reviewed journal articles, a strong solo-authored publication record, and presentations at major political science conferences across the United States and Canada.

Research Award Honorable Mention - Dr. Maria Lopes

The Chicano and Latin American Studies Department and History Department professor owns a distinguished and wide-ranging record of scholarship on livestock economies, food systems and urban provisioning in Latin America. Reviewers noted the depth and importance of her work, including a co-authored 2025 book on 20th century consumer cultures and numerous journal publications in Latin American history. Her research was also noted for its efforts in creating opportunities for student participation.

Outstanding Lecturer Award – Shirisha Shankar

The Sociology Department faculty member is an innovative, student-centered and highly impactful teacher who helps students connect course materials to their lives. Award reviewers emphasized her long-term impact on students, strong record of accessibility and care, high level of student support, and continued investment in professional development to strengthen her teaching, including collaboration with DISCOVERe and IDEAS initiatives on campus.