Dr. Eric LaMalfa

2022 Early Career Teaching Award 

 

The Range Science Education Council (RSEC) and the Society for Range Management (SRM) proudly present the 2022 Early Career Teaching Award to Dr. Eric LaMalfa, Assistant Professor in the Wildland Resources Department at Utah State University. The Early Career Teaching Award recognizes individuals in the early stages of their careers who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate students.

The past 3 years have presented many of us with new challenges – the likes of which we have never lived through before. Most would probably regard 2019-2021 as a particularly difficult time for a new Assistant Professor to begin a career. Dr. Eric LaMalfa not only navigated this unique time, but colleagues say he thrived and “brought fresh approaches and innovations to the Rangeland Ecology and Management Program” at Utah State University, and quickly became “a central cog” in that program. For example, in 2020 Dr. LaMalfa developed more than 30 instructional videos to supplement his online teaching. During this time, Dr. LaMalfa developed courses that engage students directly with land managers and stakeholders. He also developed a new summer course to provide students with field experience and a library of high-resolution plant specimen photos.

Somehow, while teaching several courses, developing new courses and new teaching materials, Dr. LaMalfa still made time to participate in over 16 teaching workshops in the past 3 years to improve his teaching. This is an impressive display of Dr. LaMalfa’s commitment to teaching excellence which has benefited his colleagues and students alike.

“Our students are better prepared for their careers because of Eric’s efforts…his improved teaching is reflected in his evaluations and his rapport with the students. Most importantly, I see Eric’s impact on the students’ lives.” Colleague

“Dr. LaMalfa is one of very few professors I can give credit for my success in college and now, the success I am having in my new career working for the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The knowledge he provided me during the last two years, as well as his advice in career paths has led me to my new venture.” Student

“Dr. LaMalfa being nominated for the SRM Early Career Teaching Award does not surprise me at all. There is no one more deserving of this acknowledgement than Dr. LaMalfa and I am extremely honored to share my experiences and interactions with him” Student

In addition to Dr. LaMalfa’s impressive teaching record, he serves as the faculty adviser to the Range Club; coaches the Plant ID Team and Undergraduate Range Management Exam Team; and is the academic and career adviser for students in the Rangeland Ecology and Management Program at Utah State University. He is actively involved in both the Range Science Education Council and Society for Range Management (SRM) and regularly takes students to SRM Annual Meetings.

Thus, for his outstanding contributions in the classroom and beyond, the Range Science Education Council and Society for Range Management are proud to recognize Dr. LaMalfa with the 2022 Early Career Teaching Award.