In recognition of her deep commitment to inclusive STEM education, systemic sustainability leadership, and dedicated student mentorship, Professor Deborah Gross is the faculty/staff recipient of this year’s Stewsie Award. A Professor of Chemistry and a core contributor to the Environmental Studies program, Deborah has spent years empowering students to connect their personal identities with real-world sustainability problem-solving. Notably, she seamlessly integrates sustainability, climate, health, and air-quality monitoring into Carleton’s FOCUS program, successfully broadening participation for underrepresented students in STEM through applied, community-driven research and supporting the success of all students.
Beyond her classroom, Deborah is a pioneer in pedagogy. She has secured funding for numerous inclusivity initiatives and recently led a campus winter workshop on “Teaching Systems Thinking,” utilizing her widely celebrated, open-access curriculum developed through the NSF InTeGrate project. Described by colleagues as a delightful, intentional, and deeply caring collaborator, and mentor to students. Deborah truly embodies the Stewsie legacy by fostering a more just, sustainable, and welcoming future for all.