COLLEGE COUNCIL SELECTS RAJIV NARULA AS DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AT SUNY CANTON
The SUNY Canton College Council has selected Associate Professor Rajiv Narula, Ph.D., as the 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award. Narula teaches Chemistry in the college’s School of Science, Health, and Criminal Justice.
Rajiv Narula“The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented annually to a SUNY Canton educator who has demonstrated mastery of subject matter, effectiveness in teaching, scholarly ability, effectiveness in university service, and continuing growth,” said College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill. “Dr. Rajiv Narula has demonstrated those criteria and more during his career at SUNY Canton.”
Narula will be a guest of honor and a speaker at the Cindy L. Daniels Honors Convocation scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, in Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.
“Dr. Narula’s work at SUNY Canton embodies and reflects the mission of our college,” said Professor and Social Sciences Department Chair Maureen P. Maiocco, Ed.D., who teaches in the college’s Early Childhood program. “It is a testament to the care and compassion he has for his students, colleagues and community.”
Rajiv Narula pours liquid into a test tube.
In addition to teaching chemistry, Narula teaches environmental science, and a first-year experience class. He is also involved with the college’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and instructs first-generation and financially disadvantaged students during a summer college preparatory program. He’s previously published scholarly articles on reducing pathogens created by dairy farms, and has now shifted his research to focus on the way students learn.
“Rajiv is a conscientious teacher who cares deeply for our students and inspires others, myself included,” said Narula’s colleague, Associate Professor William P. Rivers, Ph.D., who teaches Biology at the college. “Rajiv is intent on creating a learning environment that works for all his students.”
Originally from Calcutta, India, he earned his Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering degree from Clarkson University in 2011. That same year he began his career as a professional tutor at SUNY Canton. He quickly became a chemistry instructor, and then was promoted to Assistant Professor. In 2021, he received another promotion to his current title.
“Students speak of Rajiv with reverence,” said Associate Professor Barat Wolfe, Ph.D., who teaches in the SUNY Canton Applied Psychology program. “He is caring, interesting knowledgeable, and so giving of his time. His student-centered nature is an extension of his personality.”
After earning all the degrees necessary to become an established college faculty member, he’s gone on to earn his second master’s degree in education from St. Lawrence University with hopes of becoming a better educator. He is now enrolled in Clarkson’s MBA program and is focusing on process and service quality in teaching. Read more here.