In addition to producing acclaimed geotechnical engineering research on landslides, mudslides and other natural disasters, Cal State Fullerton civil engineer Binod Tiwari is widely recognized for his mentorship and support of students.
Tiwari, associate vice president for research and sponsored programs and professor of civil and environmental engineering, has mentored more than 240 undergraduates and graduate students during his 18-year career at the university.
For his work to provide guidance, foster growth and create opportunities for his students, Tiwari has been honored with the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
Tiwari is among 25 recipients of the nation’s highest award for 2022 and 2023, announced Jan. 13 by President Joe Biden.
“At CSUF, we are committed to creating a supportive environment where students from all walks of life can pursue and succeed in their educational journey,” said Tiwari, who joined the university’s faculty ranks in 2006 and transitioned to the campus leadership role in 2019. “This award affirms the importance of that mission.”
The award, established by Congress in 1995, honors science, mathematics and engineering mentors who have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM education and the workforce. The National Science Foundation manages the award program and provides each recipient $10,000.
His former students relayed that his mentorship has led to unimaginable career trajectories. They shared that he “was clearly a foundation that tethered me” and “always made himself available because he was so invested in our successes.”
Another alum said: “I cannot find the perfect words to express how his moral support helped me to achieve my goals.”
Alum Beena Ajmera ’12 and ’11 (M.S. civil engineering; B.S. civil engineering and B.A. mathematics-applied mathematics) noted that Tiwari’s desire to help others succeed by going the extra mile sets him apart.
“Dr. Tiwari was my first professor. I could never have imagined then the substantial influence he would have in helping me discover my passion, find my voice and develop the skills, knowledge and connections critical to my career and who I am today,” said Ajmera, assistant professor in geotechnical engineering at Iowa State University, in her letter of support for Tiwari.
“He has always strived to reduce my limitations and expand my horizons, ensuring I reach my highest potential.”
Scott Annin, professor of mathematics, who serves with Tiwari on the Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research, called him a model faculty member for his investment in students.
“Dr. Tiwari is a deeply passionate and caring instructor, an expert whose knowledge in the field has created opportunities for countless students to engage in the learning and discovery process both in and out of the classroom,” Annin said in his letter of support. “He is a fine role model for teacher-scholars across our campus and community.”
Tiwari’s mentorship has resulted in more than 150 publications co-authored by his students and 40 scholarship awards, including a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. His students have delivered 140 research presentations and won 20 first-place awards at research competitions.
Through his guidance, Tiwari has helped his students — including those from underrepresented groups — overcome their challenges and continue their education to earn master’s degrees and doctorates.
“My mentoring philosophy centers around fostering growth, development and success for my mentees to allow them to reach their highest potential and dreams,” said Tiwari, the university’s 2017 Outstanding Professor and a mentor to his staff and early-career faculty members.
Tiwari, a Nepal native who conducted research in his home country in 2015 following deadly earthquakes, called developing his mentees into mentors one of his proudest achievements.
“Success stories of our mentees are the real rewards stemming from mentorship,” he said. “Watching them transform the lives of their students and colleagues is truly fulfilling and a testament to the power of mentorship.”