Suffolk Reporter

Associate Professor Gary Halada is a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). This award honors those who have made significant contributions to mentoring within the STEM field.

“Dr. Halada’s dedication to mentoring and his impactful contributions to the success of underrepresented students in STEM have not only elevated our department but also have set a standard for mentorship across the university,” said Dilip Gersappe, professor and chair of the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering. “We are honored to have him as a member of our faculty.”

PAESMEM highlights mentors who provide opportunities in STEM education to students who might otherwise lack access. The award includes a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 reward from the National Science Foundation.

Halada, an alumnus of Stony Brook University where he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, has been part of its faculty for over 30 years. He began teaching at Stony Brook as a graduate student.

Currently serving as associate professor and undergraduate program director (ESG), Halada has dedicated considerable time to mentoring students alongside his teaching and research responsibilities. He previously received recognition for his teaching with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from Stony Brook University in 2013.

Halada's efforts extend beyond higher education; he has worked with challenged school districts on Long Island to improve their educational quality, inspired by former colleague Professor David Ferguson.

“I worked with high school teachers to understand their challenges,” Halada said. “They were struggling with test scores, and we explored how we as a university could support their teaching mission even at the high school and middle school levels.”

Stony Brook University's resources and outreach programs, along with collaboration from other universities, have supported educators in less privileged Long Island schools. Halada describes Stony Brook as a “utility for education,” sharing his expertise in teaching and mentorship widely.

“A big aspect of this PAESMEM award is about building inclusivity,” Halada noted. “It’s really about reaching out to students from different backgrounds and abilities to create a more inclusive educational program.”

— Angelina Livigni