Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award

Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award

The Faculty Excellence in Engagement Award recognizes excellence in global or community engagement. Global engagement refers to the myriad ways faculty work to connect UNO to the world through their teaching, research and creative activity, and service. UNO defines community engagement as the “collaboration between the University and its local, regional, national and global communities for the exchange of knowledge and resources.”

Jonathan Santo, Ph.D. Department of Psychology College of Arts and Sciences

Jonathan Santo is a distinguished researcher and professor who has demonstrated a strong commitment to global engagement in his work. He has actively contributed to cross-cultural research and international collaborations, aiming to broaden the understanding of human behavior and development across diverse populations. His efforts in research, teaching, and service highlight his dedication to incorporating a global perspective.

In terms of research, Dr. Santo has undertaken various projects with an international focus. His work includes studying adolescent friendship processes in Canada and Colombia, examining social influences on children's health in different countries, and conducting cross-cultural studies on self-concept and identity development. He has also participated in international workshops and collaborated with researchers from Brazil, China, and other countries, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of human social development from a global standpoint.

In teaching, Dr. Santo emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in the learning process. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses on human social development and statistics in multicultural and multilingual environments. His teaching philosophy encourages critical thinking and interactive activities that promote bidirectional exchanges of knowledge among students and foster an international understanding of concepts.

Dr. Santo's service work also reflects his commitment to global engagement. He has organized workshops and conferences in collaboration with colleagues from international institutions, addressing topics such as writing skills for graduate students and socio-emotional development. He has secured funding to support international students' conference travel and has actively contributed to the publications committees of international societies. Additionally, he has served as a guest editor for journals outside of North America, further promoting global perspectives in scholarly publications.

Jonathan Santo's notable contributions to research, teaching, and service demonstrate his unwavering dedication to global engagement. By actively pursuing cross-cultural research, incorporating international perspectives in teaching, and participating in service activities with a global focus, he contributes to a more interconnected and comprehensive understanding of human development and psychology worldwide.