Susan van den Heever named 2025 ATS Outstanding Professor of the Year

The winner of the department’s annual Outstanding Professor of the Year award, selected by Department of Atmospheric Science graduate students, is honored for exceptional instruction. Student Rachael Auth presented the award.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this teaching award and truly touched to have been nominated by our students. Teaching and mentoring are at the heart of what we as faculty do, and to be recognized for work that brings me so much joy is an incredible gift,” said University Distinguished Professor Susan van den Heever. “This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates the very strong connection between our students and faculty here at ATS —something I value immensely. The opportunity to help students grow, to share in their curiosity, and to support them in their academic and professional journeys is a privilege I never take for granted.”

The students noted that van den Heever’s passion for atmospheric science is infectious in the classroom. She is a phenomenal lecturer who keeps students engaged through facilitating questions and discussion. Others noted that van den Heever’s cloud physics class was one of the best, if not the best, class they had ever taken, and she actively modified the course to optimally suit the learning styles and curiosity of her students. She inspires students to be curious and think critically. 

This is the fourth time van den Heever has received the award with previous selection in 2009, 2013 and 2015.