Trenton Niemi, anatomy and physiology instructor, UH Maui College

An anatomy and physiology instructor at the University of Hawaii Maui College STEM department was awarded the Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students.

Trenton Niemiwas born in Minnesota, but says he has always been called to the ocean.

University representatives say his commitment and dedication to his students has been recognized by his colleagues and students. Students laud his ability to make difficult concepts understandable, which is commendable considering the challenging nature of the material (i.e., anatomy, physiology).

Students also reported that he was an inspiring teacher. [He] explains in multiple ways so that we truly understand the information and he is the best instructor I have ever had, a student wrote.

Niemi moved toHawaiimore than 15 years ago and has taught withUHMaui College for 11 years, teachingPHYS141 and 142 lectures and labs as well as forKapiolaniCCs Emergency Medical Services Training program.

In addition to his passion for teaching, Niemis interests include bodyboarding, weight lifting and photography. Some of his photography can be seen on theUHMaui College channel.

He was among a list of 15 UH faculty members from across the state who were awarded the Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching. Three additional instructors received the Regents Medal for Excellence in Research. In addition, six UH teachers have been recognized with the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching; and a Kauai Community College student and taro farmer has won the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education.

Our extraordinary, innovative, caring University of Hawaii faculty are second to none, said UH President David Lassner. Especially in these challenging times, their dedication and commitment elevates and inspires our students even as their scholarship and engagement helps address pressing global issues and improve lives across our islands.

The complete list of recipients of the Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching, include:

The Regents Medal for Excellence in Research, which recognizes a faculty members scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of all in the community, nation and the world, was awarded to:

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teachingrecognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and UH Mnoa for 19 years. This years awardees are:

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Educationrewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student. The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes role in development of the food industry in Hawaii. This years winner is:

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UH Maui Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Honored for Excellence in Teaching - Maui Now