White House Recognizes UH Physics Professor Donna Stokes for Excellence in STEM Mentoring

The White House recently announced the educators and institutions earning the nation's highest honor for outstanding mentoring in STEM disciplines. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) were awarded to a who's who of scholars, scientists, educators and researchers. Among this year's honorees is longtime University of Houston physics professor Donna Stokes.

Stokes has been an integral part of UH's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) since her days as a graduate student. During that time, she has committed herself to research in physics, improving physics and STEM student success, preparing STEM educators in secondary schools and mentoring students and junior faculty.

Stokes' interest in science began as a child and continued through high school. Her knack for science did not go unnoticed. Her high school teachers and counselor were quick to observe her talents. Likewise, Southern University recognized her academic potential and awarded her a physics scholarship.

"When people ask me how I became a physicist, I always say, a scholarship brought me to physics and my passion for science and math kept me in the field," she said.

She earned her bachelor's degree in physics from Southern University then ventured to the institution that would shape her academic and professional careers—the University of Houston.

At UH, Stokes earned a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in physics. She has remained fiercely loyal to her alma mater and became a faculty member after completing a post-doctoral fellow position at the U.S. Naval Research Labs. In addition to her role as a professor, she has served the Department of Physics and NSM in a variety of roles including physics faculty undergraduate academic adviser and associate dean of undergraduate affairs and student success. These roles afforded her the opportunity to foster and mentor students in physics and other STEM fields. Stokes also advises UH student organizations such as the Astronomy Society and the Society of Physics Students.

She has also contributed her energies to educating future teachers through her ongoing collaboration with teachHouston, NSM's STEM teacher preparation program. With teachHouston, she mentors and supports the next generation of STEM educators.

"Throughout my career, I had great mentors who selflessly supported me and served as role models," she said. "I realize that my mentoring experiences have been the foundation of my philosophy for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, post docs, and junior faculty. The selfless dedication they showed me is what inspired me to pay it forward and provide the same mentoring support to others on their journey in math and science education."

Her hard work in the classroom and laboratory has earned her recognition on campus and across the nation. Stokes' awards include UH Teaching Excellence Awards, 2023 UH Honors College Outstanding Fellowship Mentorship Award, 2011 UH Provost Academic Advising and Mentoring Award, a National Science Foundation Career Award and a National Research Council Post-Doctoral Associateship Award.

"Professor Stokes' enduring commitment to mentoring future leaders in science and mathematics is truly remarkable," said UH President Renu Khator. "She's leaving an indelible imprint on our campus and society, strengthening it for generations to come."

PAESMEM honors have been presented annually since 1995 to individuals and organizations. These awards are managed by the National Science Foundation and honorees are selected by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Award recipients receive $10,000 and an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. to attend professional development events.

"All of us at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are extremely proud of Dr. Stokes' latest achievement," said NSM Dean Dan Wells. "Our college truly benefits from her expertise as a scientist, her talents as a teacher and her willingness to mentor both students and junior faculty. She is most deserving of this honor."

While Stokes is honored at her inclusion as a PAESMEM honoree, she is also pleased to see recognition for peers who are dedicated to inspiring future generations of scientists and educators.

"Spotlighting STEM educators, researchers and mentors is important to demonstrate the critical role they play in developing and encouraging students to pursue STEM degrees and careers," she said. "It is imperative to have STEM educators who can foster the next generation of scientists to address local and national scientific challenges."

Provided by University of Houston