Emerick Named Recipient of 2023 John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
(L to R): Dr. John P. Schellenberg, professor emeriti; Dr. Brooks Emerick, professor of mathematics; Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president.
KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Dr. Brooks Emerick, professor of mathematics, was awarded Kutztown University’s 2023 John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The award was presented during the university's Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration Friday, Aug. 25.
Emerick has been a professor of mathematics at KU since 2017. He received both his Ph.D. and master’s in applied mathematics from the University of Delaware and his Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics from Shippensburg University.
Emerick is an innovative professional who seeks to implement different initiatives to make industry connections for his students and allow them to connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world applications. For example, he was awarded a Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences (PIC) grant to redesign MAT 210 – Mathematical Computing and Typesetting. Through this, Emerick was able to guide his students to work with the Borough of Kutztown on wastewater treatment. Students were taught how to use data analysis and mathematical models to identify leaks in the Kutztown sanitary sewer system and study the efficiency and cost savings of an improved sewer system.
Emerick’s mentorship of his students is admirable. Undergraduate students are continually involved in his research. These collaborations have resulted in publications in the peer-reviewed journal Mathematical Biosciences, students being admitted to prestigious mathematics doctoral programs and one student being awarded the highly prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship.
In his pursuit to elevate his students, Emerick continually looks to enhance the environment in which he teaches to improve learning outcomes. His ability to recognize problems and solve them with both technology and a personal approach has allowed for a more seamless learning experience and provides students with instant feedback and quick support when struggling. For example, he frequently hosts office hours in a student-friendly location such as the library or a campus coffee shop so that they are viewed as more welcoming to students.
Emerick has published 13 publications and has hosted numerous conference/workshop proceedings.
The John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was established by John P. Schellenberg, emeriti professor of physical science, faculty alumni and friends to recognize an early career faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding work.