After being announced in the fall of 2023, the Provost’s Do Good Innovator Awards sought out to recognize faculty and staff across UMD’ Do Good Campus who have been hard at work tackling the grand challenges of our time.
In partnership with the Office of the Provost, the Innovator Awards highlight the incredible members of our campus community who create, nurture, expand and amplify social impact throughout education, programs and research, both inside and outside the classroom. These dedicated Terps were nominated by their colleagues who recognized the broad and meaningful impact they create. Over the past academic year, members from the Do Good Campus Strategic Leadership Council reviewed nominations and selected their awardees, with some units opting to fund additional awards.
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Award Recipients
Byoung-Suk Kweon
Professor
For years, Dr. Byoung-Suk Kweon has engaged her students in service learning with underserved communities in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. For example, over a five year period she collaborated with government agencies, community organizations and professional offices on a series of projects to transform two neglected vacant lots into open, green spaces: Archway Park at the entrance to Druid Heights, and Gold Street Park.
Meredith Epstein
Senior Lecturer and Advisor
Meredith Epstein has been managing the UMD Community Learning Garden since 2013. It is THE place on campus for students to engage in producing fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. The garden empowers students to learn about food access, environmental stewardship, agricultural sustainability and mental and physical wellbeing.
Michael Elonge
Senior Agent
From teaching elementary students financial literacy basics to creating programs for prisoners that help them prepare for reentry into society, Michael’s empathetic and engaging approach has impacted the lives of thousands of youth and adults.
Anahí Espíndola
Assistant Professor, Entomology
Dr. Espíndola’s large impact, especially on Spanish-speaking communities, is driven by her boundless energy, optimism, positivity and strong spirit. Beyond the traditional classroom, she developed a Spanish language blog, “Extensión en Español”, that provides high quality scientific information to Maryland’s increasing Hispanic population. In addition, she has designed and distributed multiple learning modules to teach K-12 students about pollination and pollinators.
