Dr. Smith, Dr. Hirschlein, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Qu

Four College of Human Environmental Sciences’ professors were honored when Oklahoma State University recognized outstanding achievement of faculty, staff and administration during the annual University Convocation at the OSU ConocoPhillips Alumni Center.

Brenda Smith, associate professor in nutritional sciences, received the 2009 Regents Distinguished Research Award. Hailin Qu, Regents Professor and William E. Davis Distinguished Chair in hotel and restaurant administration, was selected for the CHES Regents Distinguished Teaching Award. Beulah Hirschlein, professor in human development and family science, received the University Service Award for meritorious service to the University and Stephen Clarke, assistant professor in nutritional sciences received the OSU Award of Excellence for Advisement.

Smith, who also serves as the graduate program coordinator in nutritional sciences, has conducted research projects investigating the role of immune and antioxidant systems on bone biology; nutrition and aging; and the effects of phytochemicals and exercise on bone health. Her research spans the continuum of research from the cellular and molecular level to clinical studies.

She is currently working on two major projects. The first is a study of osteoporosis risk in Native American women in Oklahoma. According to recent estimates, 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture resulting in an annual $20 billion impact on the U.S. healthcare system. As Native Americans make up 7.8 percent of Oklahoma’s population, Smith’s project is investigating the connections between osteoporosis, type II diabetes and the other lifestyle factors such as nutrition status and physical activity of Native American women.

Smith’s second project is funded through the United State Department of Veteran Affairs. Partnering with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists, Smith is investigating the effects of two lower limb amputation methods. The project will study patients who have undergone lower limb amputation due to trauma or dysvascular disease and will evaluate short and long-term effects of each of the surgical procedures on bone integrity and rehabilitation capacity.

"Dr. Smith’s vitae and record of accomplishments speak for themselves in terms of her success in grant-seeking and publication," said Barbara Stoecker, Regents Professor in nutritional sciences.

Qu, who played a major role in the creation of the Center for Hospitality and Tourism Research at OSU, holds the title of Honorary Professor at numerous top-ranked universities in China including The Hong Kong University, Fu Dan University and Sun Yat-Sen University. His teaching philosophy is centered on learner and student centered environment; life-long learning skills and a self-sufficient learner; and the integration of research and information technology to enhance learning. His teaching style has been described by students and colleagues as "challenging yet comfortable" and he has been praised for allowing students to share their thoughts and expand their critical thinking skills in the process.

"Dr. Qu is greatly admired and respected by the students within the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration," said Michelle Black, a Ph.D. candidate in the School who has taken courses taught by Qu. "His courses are known as being very rigorous and he has very high expectations of his students. However, this is one of the reasons I have decided to take his research course this semester as I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I excel in his class."

Recipients of the Regents Distinguished Research Award demonstrate a distinguished record of past and continuing excellence in research and are clearly recognized nationally and internationally. Regents Distinguished Teaching Award recipients must be nominated by a student and then selected as the winner by a committee of students, faculty members, department heads and the provost. Both recipients receive an annual $1,000 salary increase.

Hirschlein, who is the recipient of the University Service Award for Faculty, holds three degrees from OSU and has been on the faculty since 1970. Over her almost 40 years in academia, she has proven to be a dedicated teacher and strong advocate for students.  She has directly impacted hundreds of former students who are now employed as school teachers, child life specialists, family life educators to name a few, and in positions with health and human services, community education, advocacy centers, and parent or family centers, and they continue to seek her out for advice.

Along with her teaching duties – which are substantial – her willingness to serve the university, its students and the community of Stillwater is constant.

She encourages her students to make a difference, and she leads by example.  

"This award is presented to individuals who quietly and unassumedly go about their duties, but who have given so much to the overall betterment of Oklahoma State University," Provost Strathe said.