UTRGV Research News
Dr. Rupesh Kariyat Receives 2021 Excellence in Education Award from ASPB
Photo credit: Paul Chouy
By Maria Gonzalez
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS - Dr. Rupesh Kariyat, assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Biology, has been named the recipient of 2021 Excellence in Education Award from the prestigious American Society of Plant Biologists in recognition of his outstanding teaching, student mentorship, and educational services in the science of plant biology.
ASPB is the premier society for plant biologists and has members from all over the world. Being recognized by ASPB based on your teaching, mentoring and outreach activities is a great honor, and it carries a lot of weight,” Kariyat said. “I am ecstatic about it and hopefully I can do more and guide students better moving forward.”
Since joining the faculty in 2017, Kariyat has excelled in the classroom making impact to his field as a professor scholar. He has significantly contributed to studies on best practices for teaching in the biology area, has obtained prestigious grants that promote science education(3.3 million), and has published numerous manuscripts in science teaching journals including Natural Sciences Education.
Kariyat is the primary investigator on USDA Research and Extension Experiential Learning for Undergraduate grant and a recipient of the ASPB “Plant Bloome” grant, for research and training of college students and schoolteachers. Kariyat has also served as a Co-Principal Investigator in the Soil Health Demonstration Trials project which received an $1,899,545 award by the USDA Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Trials.
Kariyat is distinguished as an expert in the area of plant pathogen and an exemplary mentor for many graduate and undergraduate UTRGV students who have had the opportunity to broaden their research opportunities through his courses. “The sheer number of students that he mentored was impressive, but the level of support that he gave to his students and their accomplishments were truly impressive.” said Megan Keniry, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of biology.
“I have come to know Dr. Kariyat as the great mentor, educator, and more importantly, as the great person he truly is. Furthermore, Dr. Kariyat has always motivated me to apply to various research opportunities … and he is great at sending us updates on research symposiums to present at,” said Juan D. Raya, Biology student. “Dr. Kariyat has allowed me to expand my education because having Dr. Kariyat as my mentor has further motivated me towards gaining a higher education since his constant support and reassurance continues to fuel me to continue searching for ways to further my learning and gain new experiences as I continue my pathway to graduate school.”
