Faculty Senate presents Community Involvement Award to Emilio Duran

Dr. Emilio Duran, associate professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at Bowling Green State University, received the Community Involvement Award at the Faculty Excellence Awards Ceremony and Reception April 14.

This award, presented by the Faculty Senate, recognizes a faculty member for outstanding contributions to the community or to other local, state, national or international communities and includes a $1,000 prize.

Dr. W. Robert Midden, who nominated Duran for this award, wrote that Duran’s “extensive contributions to numerous community partnerships and initiatives have markedly raised the profile and increased the visibility of BGSU in our locale and throughout the region.”

One of Duran’s most notable contributions has been the development of STEM in the Park, which has become a signature community engagement event. The purpose of this event is to increase awareness, interest and knowledge in STEM and STEM careers by providing engaging and meaningful opportunities for people of all ages, especially children and underrepresented communities, to explore the many aspects and applications of STEM in their lives. STEM in the Park started in 2010 and last year included more than 4,300 participants in more than 140 activities. Duran has recruited sponsorships and support from 35 corporate, non-profit and educational partners for this event.

“STEM in the Park is a premier example of a program that enhances the relationship between BGSU and our community,” Dr. Tim Murnen, director, School of Teaching and Learning, wrote in his nomination of Duran. “The feedback from the community about this program is simply phenomenal and undoubtedly conveys a positive message about BGSU and its commitment to the community we serve. We appreciate the work Dr. Duran continues to do regarding community involvement.”

Another highlight of Duran’s community involvement includes coordinating the Annual Symposium on STEM Teaching, which brings together as many as 600 educators and administrators from throughout the region to exchange best practices and new knowledge about how to most effectively promote our students’ success.

Duran’s other contributions to the community include serving as lead faculty member for the Ohio Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and contributing to Women in STEM, the NWO Inquiry Series and Literacy in the Park. He also serves in numerous community organizations and groups, including as a member of the Toledo School for the Arts STEAM Lab Advisory Panel; as a guest scientist at Ottawa Hills Elementary School and the Montessori School of Bowling Green; as a member of the Ottawa Hills Elementary Science EXPO, Elementary School Day and Strategic planning committees; and as a guest presenter or teacher at various elementary and middle schools.

Outside of education, Duran has served as a grant consultant for the Toledo Football Academy and as a member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Scholarship Committee, Honors Day Committee, Art Exchange Committee and Youth Development Committee of the Association of the Two Toledos.