Western New England University (WNE) has named Nuwan De Silva, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, as the recipient of the 2026 Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing his commitment to student learning, innovative instruction, and mentorship across the University.
Dr. De Silva, who joined WNE in 2017 and earned tenure in 2022, is known for bringing complex scientific concepts to life through engaging, research-informed teaching. His work in quantum mechanical modeling and lanthanide chemistry is complemented by a strong dedication to student success, helping learners connect theory to real-world scientific challenges.
“I’m deeply honored by this recognition, but what matters most to me is the opportunity to work with our students. Teaching is about more than delivering content—it’s about guiding students as they build confidence, think critically, and prepare for what comes next. That responsibility is something I take very seriously,” said Professor De Silva.
The Teaching Excellence Award also recognizes an accomplished group of finalists whose contributions reflect the strength and diversity of WNE’s faculty:
- Jingru Benner, Ph.D., mechanical engineering, for integrating research, mentorship, and externally funded projects into the student experience
- Dan Bevacqua, English, for leadership in creative writing and sustained mentorship of student writers
- Abby Caselli, Ph.D., psychology, for active learning approaches and hands-on undergraduate research mentorship
- Andrew Moore, business analytics and information management, for experiential, industry-connected teaching and student engagement
- Chidike I. Okeem, Ph.D., criminal justice and criminology, for innovative, culturally responsive teaching and deep commitment to student development
Together, this year’s nominees exemplify the University’s teacher-scholar model—pairing academic rigor with meaningful mentorship and real-world application.
The Teaching Excellence Award recognizes a full-time faculty member from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, or Engineering who models instructional excellence, employs innovative teaching methods, and makes significant contributions through cocurricular engagement and mentorship. The recipient is selected through a competitive process that includes nominations, community support statements, and review by a committee of faculty, students, and alumni.
Dr. De Silva will be formally presented with the award during Western New England University’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
This year’s Teaching Excellence Award committee included faculty members and previous TEA winners, as well as student and alumni representatives: Faculty: Tim Vercellotti, Professor of Political Science and Committee Chair; Alison Castellano, Professional Educator of Psychology; and Tara Grealis, Professional Educator of Accounting. Student members included Victoria Weagle ’27, College of Arts and Sciences; Mia Pompi ’26, College of Business; and Andrew Delorme ’26, College of Engineering. Alumni representatives included Ken Stratton ’19/L’22, College of Arts and Sciences; Gretchen Pancak ’16, College of Business; and Kevin Sliech ’06, College of Engineering.
