College of Education and Human Sciences Honors Graduate Teaching and Research Excellence

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Media Contact: Christy Lang | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

Three College of Education and Human Sciences students were honored for their outstanding research and teaching at Oklahoma State University during their graduate and doctoral studies.

Stacie Kelm, M.S. in nutritional sciences, and Zahra Hosseini, Ph.D. in design and merchandising, were recognized with the 2025 Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student award. 

Femi Olawale, Ph.D. in nutritional sciences, was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Research by a Graduate Student. 

Stacie Kelm

Kelm received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with an option in dietetics from OSU in May 2023. 

She served as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) in the Department of Nutritional Sciences from fall 2023 through fall 2024, supporting instruction in core undergraduate nutrition courses both in person and online. 

“Receiving this award is an honor and a meaningful acknowledgment of the work I’ve put into my role as a graduate assistant,” Kelm said. “It’s been rewarding to support students and contribute to the learning environment in our department, and I’m grateful for the recognition from the college.”

Kelm noted Dr. Jill Joyce as a key mentor during her time as a GTA. Joyce said Kelm was an invaluable and dedicated student while teaching management in dietetics, a course that makes up a significant portion of the Registered Dietitian (RD) credentialing exam. 

“Stacie and I, as a teaching team, played a significant role in exam, internship and job success,” Joyce said. “Stacie was present in every class session she could be, was always available for students, and graded everything with some of the best and largest amount of feedback I have seen, which is crucial to learning in this fast-paced and heavy course. Despite being in one of the most difficult semesters herself as a future RD, she set the bar incredibly high for future GTAs.”

Zahra Hosseini

Hosseini’s impressive academic career includes a bachelor’s degree in architecture and two master’s degrees in architecture and interior design.

Over the past four years, Hosseini taught Graphics I and Graphics II at OSU for interior design students, introducing innovative digital drawing techniques using tools like Adobe Procreate. She has also been focused on her own research exploring integrating digital tools in design education, using immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, and developing inclusive learning methods tailored to neurodiverse learners.

“As both an educator and a scholar, this award affirms the importance of creating an engaging, inclusive and forward-thinking learning environment,” Hosseini said. “It inspires me to explore innovative teaching approaches and support students in ways that meet their unique learning styles and aspirations.”

Hosseini was empowered as a researcher and educator thanks to consistent guidance and valuable feedback from her adviser, Dr. Tilanka Chandrasekera, and her mentor, Dr. Aditya Jayadas. 

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Zahra since the beginning of her master’s degree, witnessing her remarkable growth as an instructor,” Jayadas said. “Zahra impressed me with her enthusiasm, curiosity and contagious energy. Her dedication to education goes beyond traditional instruction, actively seeking ways to enhance student learning and engagement. She has shown an unwavering commitment to teaching excellence and continuous improvement.”

Femi Olawale, Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences

Olawale holds bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences at OSU. 

Throughout his academic journey, Olawale has been a graduate research and teaching assistant and practical demonstrator. His research has spanned cancer biology, diabetes, nanomedicine, and, most recently, the impact of pinto bean starch on metabolic health in a menopausal mouse model. 

In Fall 2023, Olawale demonstrated his presentation skills and represented CEHS at the universitywide 3-Minute Thesis competition. He received the People’s Choice Award for his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience. 

Olawale also had the opportunity to teach and mentor students in Africa and the United States, honoring his Nigerian heritage.

“This award is a profound honor,” Olawale said. “It reaffirms the value of persistence, service and passion for scientific inquiry. It motivates me to keep striving — not just for academic excellence, but for meaningful impact in the communities I serve.”

Olawale said Dr. Edralin Lucas has been a tremendous influence at OSU, providing guidance and encouragement that shaped his research and professional growth.

Lucas described Olawale as highly motivated and enthusiastic, with a tenacity for research and learning.  

“Femi is not afraid to work hard and sacrifice to work extra hours to ensure the successful completion of research projects,” Lucas said. “He is always willing to learn and improve on his skills. As a critical member of our research team, we rely on him for the success of all our experiments. Femi’s strong passion for science has been demonstrated throughout his career, both in and out of the laboratory."

Story By: Jillian Walker | jillian.walker@okstate.edu