.jpg)
Washington and Lee University’s Ryan Brindle, assistant professor of cognitive and behavioral science, and Dave Pfaff, senior academic technologist and director of the IQ Center, were both honored with individual awards at the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges’ (VFIC) annual Fall Luncheon and Harris Family Awards Presentation in Richmond on Thursday, Nov. 2.
Brindle was one of two faculty members honored with the 2023 H. Hiter Harris III Rising Star Award, which recognizes nontenured faculty members who have demonstrated great promise and possess no more than six full-time years teaching in higher education. And Pfaff was one of two individuals statewide to be presented the 2023 H. Hiter Harris III Excellence in Instructional Technology Award. This award is presented to individuals who have helped incorporate the use of technology in innovative ways in the undergraduate educational experience on their respective campuses.
Brindle was cited for his research that examines the impact of mental stress on health and disease. He also studies how stress impacts sleep and whether sleep can buffer the negative impact of stress and improve health.
“Winning the Rising Star Award was special but also humbling considering all the impactful teaching that occurs across the W&L campus and all of the VFIC member campuses,” said Brindle. “It was made extra special by being able to share the awards ceremony with Dave Pfaff and recognize all of the amazing work that goes on in the IQ Center at W&L.”
Pfaff was recognized for his dedication to facilitating innovative technology integration in academic settings and assisting faculty in enhancing their courses and research. He has presented widely at conferences related to technological innovation and interdisciplinary integration and has actively contributed to research projects spanning the sciences and humanities.
“Receiving this award is important to me because it validates the work I have invested in fostering innovative learning experiences,” said Pfaff. “This recognition also serves as a reminder of the responsibility I hold to continue pushing boundaries and advancing the use of technology in education. Moreover, the accompanying funding for research and professional development provides me with the means to further my work on a project mapping Renaissance Florence with Professor (George) Bent in art history. I am deeply honored and motivated by this award, which reinforces my commitment to shaping the future of education through technological innovation.”
Brindle has been a member of the W&L faculty since 2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College and a doctorate from the University of Birmingham (U.K.). Pfaff earned a bachelor’s degree in digital media production from James Madison University and was named the inaugural manager of the IQ Center in 2013.
Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in last week’s paper, but the photos of the two professors were misidentified.
