A West Virginia University professor was recently named the Distinguished Educator of the Year by the Society of Wood Science and Technology, an international society devoted to education and innovation using wood science.
Gloria Oporto , associate professor of wood science and technology in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, was unanimously voted by the Society’s board to receive the award.
The award is given based on a nomination by a peer as well as the number of classes taught, number of years teaching, student learning outcomes and letters of support. Oporto was nominated by colleague Jingxin Wang, director of WVU Center for Sustainable Biomaterials & Bioenergy, who collected letters from faculty and students to do so successfully.
“I am really devoted to my students,” Oporto said. “That was kind of the more impactful thing: reading those letters from the students.”
According to Society of Wood Science and Technology’s president Rupert Wimmer, there have been only five awards made since 2015, which demonstrates the distinction of Oporto’s teaching talent.
Wimmer explained that the distinguished educator award recognizes “sustained excellence in teaching that incites intellectual curiosity in students, inspires colleagues and makes students aware of significant relationships between academia and the world at large.”
“I love what I’m doing,” Oporto said. “I am energized when I am in front of them. I feel like they are trusting me. It doesn’t matter if I have two students, three students or 50 students, I’m going to approach my classes the same way.”
Oporto teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses including wood anatomy, wood mechanics, forest resources and sustainable construction.
As a Distinguished Educator, Oporto may be called upon by the Society to provide a voice on issues related to teaching or outreach in forums or panels.
“Education is changing and we have to evolve as well,” Oporto said, adding that she hopes to see higher education include more activities for critical thinking and increased contact with industry.
“For the wood science and technology program, it’s not a program that will sell itself,” Oporto said. “I think this award will help show the students that we are doing a good job.”
Along with the title, Oporto was given a plaque, a cash prize of $500 and an invitation to the Society’s conference in Australia. She is unable to attend in person but plans to do so virtually.