President’s Award for Excellence—Early Career Achievement

Kate Excoffon, Ph.D., teacher and scholar in the College of Science and Mathematics.

Kate Excoffon, Ph.D., is known as an outstanding young teacher and scholar in the College of Science and Mathematics and a leader inside and outside the classroom. Her colleagues say her teaching in the areas of immunology and gene therapy has significantly strengthened departmental offerings in the areas of microbiology and immunology.

Since joining Wright State in 2009, Excoffon has already secured two highly competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, established a joint research project focused on HIV, published papers in top journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Virology, and PLoS One, and become a sought-after national speaker.

In addition to her academic prowess, Excoffon in a short time at Wright State has earned a reputation as an excellent professor. Student evaluations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels reflect Excoffon’s commitment to delivering interesting, intelligent, and thorough classroom content. She has developed classes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is serving as supervisor for several M.S. and Ph.D. students working with her toward degrees. She is an outstanding mentor for the students in her laboratory. Leaders in the college say her work with honors students is particularly commendable.

Excoffon has also played a critical role in the Department of Biological Sciences by serving on a faculty research committee and on the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Ph.D. program’s admission committee.

Excoffon’s passion and energy for science education, demonstrated in her research, teaching, and service, is inspiring others in her department and beyond. Her drive to excel and willingness to help others have touched many during her short time at Wright State.