Mandjiny has degrees from India, Canada and France.
AB Wire
WASHINGTON, DC: Chemistry professor Sivanadane Mandjiny has been named the University of North Carolina Pembroke’s recipient of the UNC Board of Governors 2015 Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Annually, the Board of Governors names one professor at each of the 17 UNC campuses to receive the award. The award winners will collect a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize.
The award, which serves to underscore the importance of teaching, was presented by a member of the Board of Governors during spring graduation ceremonies on May 9. UNCP’s recipient serves as University Marshal and presides over ceremonial events during the academic year.
Dr. Mandjiny joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Physics in 1996 as a teaching associate and earned tenure in 2006. He became department chair in 2011 and continues in that role today, according to a press release.
In making the announcement to campus, Chancellor Kyle R. Carter had high praise for Dr. Mandjiny’s dedication to teaching and mentoring students.
“In the nearly two decades Siva has taught at UNC Pembroke, he has developed a reputation for his enthusiasm in the classroom, dedication to mentoring, unfailing presence on campus, and commitment to student success,” Chancellor Carter said. “This award is a fitting acknowledgement of all that he brings to the student experience at UNC Pembroke.”
Mandjiny came to Pembroke from France where he obtained his Ph.D and was doing post-doctoral research. A native of Tamil Nadu, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Madras in India, a master’s degree in biochemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, a second master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne in France.
Mandjiny studied in three languages, Tamil, English and French, and he taught himself Hindi. Hard work, determination and a strong wife fueled his educational achievements.
“I sat for three weeks in my Ph.D. program with 85 students, and I could not even say ‘bonjour,’” he said. “My wife grew up in France; she was a great help. I wanted to quit, but she would not let me, so I made up my mind.”
Mandjiny finished his doctorate in just three years as the top student in the program. As a doctoral candidate, he had three papers published by international journals, and defended his dissertation in French. When he was finished, he had a job doing post-doctoral research with one of the nation’s top scientists.
His educational journey says a lot about Dr. Mandjiny’s character and teaching style. “If you have positive energy and thinking, everything will go well,” he said. “Sometimes students have to flounder before they can succeed. Students also need a guru, which is a teacher – and teachers can change your life.”
The most essential trait that Mandjiny possesses is the love of science. He can speak four languages, but he dreams in the universal language of science and communicates fluently in it.
“I love science in all its forms,” he said. “As a teacher, I believe it is important to motivate students in and out of the classroom by demonstrating a passion for the subject and real world applications of difficult concepts. I experience personal joy in sharing my love of chemistry and biochemistry during classes.”
Chemistry provokes fear in many students, but Dr. Mandjiny believes it is the foundation of the study of all sciences. He speaks of chemistry as if it were poetry sent from the heavens.
“I would assuage students’ fear and replace it with the spirit of inquiry,” he said. “My goal is to open students to the wonders of science. Any time a student asks for help, I’ll work with them. I believe I can teach anyone.”
Research is also essential to understanding science, Dr. Mandjiny believes. He always encourages students to become involved in research, and he has mentored many, many research projects on subjects applicable to alternative energy, agricultural science and chemistry in zero gravity.
Former students have high praise for Mandjiny. “Dr. Mandjiny demonstrates continuous and overwhelming support for all UNCP students, said David Redman, a 2014 graduate. “He encouraged me in every step of my preparation in applying to medical school.”
“Dr. Mandjiny has the unique ability to teach complicated subjects in an easy to understand manner,” said Heidi Pinkerton. “His clever techniques, mastery of information, ability to spin an explanation for clarity and relevance, and his command of the classes’ attention are a testament to his skill and dedication. Dr. Mandjiny is truly interested in the future success of his students and the university.”
Mandjiny is a distinguished scholar with many published research papers, dozens of conference presentations and significant grant work. He has mentored 118 student research projects and participated thoroughly in the life of the university community.
Recipient of three Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Mandjiny won the university’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2006.