Earth Sciences
College of Science & Engineering
Award Year
2018
University Award
Distinguished Teachers Graduate and Professional
Section B
, Location 45
Professor Paola is an innovative teacher and researcher who has mentored many graduate students to success, prioritized excellence in graduate education through leadership of research centers, co-created a unique graduate course in stream restoration, and established an international faculty-graduate student exchange program. He shares his most promising ideas with students, emphasizing cooperation and high ethical standards. He encourages risk-taking, learning from failure, and looking foolish in the service of curiosity, improvisational thought, and creative inquiry.