Contact: Matt Lazier 
805-756-7109; mlazier@calpoly.edu

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly has announced the recipients of its inaugural Faculty Excellence Award, which honors outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and creative activities.

Administered by the Office of the Provost and made possible through a generous donor contribution, the award reflects Cal Poly’s commitment to academic excellence. This recognition is part of ongoing efforts to acknowledge and support faculty across campus.  

The first recipients of the Faculty Excellence Award are Phoenix (Dongfeng) Fang, Joni Roberts and Shannon Shoff. Nominated by their respective college deans, these faculty members were selected for their significant contributions to their disciplines, commitment to student success and dedication to the Cal Poly community.

“This award celebrates the exceptional dedication and achievements of our faculty, who consistently go above and beyond to advance knowledge and foster student success,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Fang, Dr. Roberts, and Dr. Shoff’s innovative approach to teaching and impactful research, scholarly and creative activities exemplify Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy.”

Phoenix (Dongfeng) Fang is an assistant professor of computer science and software engineering in the College of Engineering, specializing in cybersecurity and privacy. Her research focuses on wireless security, 5G systems, Internet of Things device protection and privacy-preserving healthcare applications, addressing critical challenges in securing modern technological systems. In her teaching, she emphasizes hands-on opportunities for students, equipping them with the skills necessary to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.  

“In a world driven by data, cybersecurity and privacy are not just technologies — they are the guardians of trust, the foundation of safety and the architects of an equitable and just digital future,” Fang said. “It’s an honor to empower my students to develop the skills needed to lead and innovate in securing the technologies we rely on every day.”

Joni Roberts is an assistant professor of kinesiology and public health in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, specializing in global health challenges, health education disparities and cultural competency. Her research examines the social determinants of health — such as discrimination and access — and she partners with communities to develop structural solutions for inequities. A recipient of the 2024 40 Under 40 Public Health Catalyst Award, Roberts’ work underscores the impact of cultural beliefs on healthcare decisions, particularly among marginalized populations. She inspires students to approach public health challenges with compassion, cultural awareness, and critical thinking.

“I consider myself a global educator. Worldwide, culture really shapes the way people understand things, how they gain access and how they navigate life,” said Roberts, who has led research focusing on marginalized groups and those with few resources, both in the U.S. and abroad. “As I go through the tenure process at Cal Poly, it’s surreal and humbling to see that so many people recognize the things that I'm doing. Words can't really express my excitement.”

Shannon Shoff is an assistant professor of food science and nutrition in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, specializing in early-life nutrition. Using a systems biology approach, her research investigates biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms to identify effective interventions that promote optimal growth and development. Her work spans metabolomics, microbiome studies and protein abundance, providing innovative solutions to improve early childhood health outcomes. Shoff’s expertise informs her innovative teaching, preparing students for impactful careers in health and nutrition.

“I am fascinated by the fact that nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life can have long-lasting implications on development, with negative developmental consequences of both dietary excess and inadequacy,” said Shoff, who is working with a team of students on a study that investigates how antibiotic administration to iron deficient piglets alters their microbiome, metabolism and cognitive development. “This award recognizes the importance of advancing research like ours, where piglets serve as a valuable translational model for human infants that allow us to study how nutrition impacts molecular mechanisms.”

Each recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award receives a monetary award to directly support professional development, research and academic initiatives.