Kimberly Meza, a sixth-year doctoral candidate in the Pathobiology program, has been recognized for her commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching. Across classrooms, laboratories, and mentorship programs, Meza is known for fostering learning environments that help students both understand scientific concepts and see themselves as emerging scientists.
“During her tenure as a graduate student, Kimmy has demonstrated exceptional teaching impact through a combination of course development, exceptional instruction, mentorship, and inclusive pedagogy philosophy,” says Patrycja Dubielecka, Associate Professor of Medicine and co-director of the Pathobiology program and co-leader of the Cancer Biology program.
Meza has excelled in a variety of teaching roles, but her most notable contribution has been designing and instructing the course Bench to Bedside: Translational Cancer Biology for Targeted Therapies, offered through Brown’s Pre-College program. The inspiration for the course draws from Meza’s own experiences. She recalls being curious about tackling diseases like cancer, but unsure of how scientific advancement actually happens. Now, she serves as a guide for students, leading them through complex concepts in cancer biology using a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach that connects laboratory research to real-world breakthroughs.
Meza has been recognized by faculty and students for her ability to make challenging material “digestible.” While maintaining high expectations, she engages students directly with data interpretation, primary literature, and technical language, while creating learning environments that remain accessible and inclusive.
Meza’s achievements in teaching, mentorship, and curriculum innovation have been recognized across the University. She has been invited to give “Stories with Scientists” talks, sharing her expertise with undergraduate learners and inspiring the next generation of biomedical researchers. She also served as a Senior Scholar for the Initiative to Maximize Student Development training module on reading scientific publications, Teaching Associate for Experimental Pathology: Understanding the Molecular Basis of Human Disease, Graduate Student Advisor for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine High School Internship Program, and laboratory section Teaching Associate for Foundations of Living Systems.
Meza “is an exceptional educator whose contributions meaningfully advance the University’s teaching mission and transformatively impact the academic lives of the students she serves,” says Dubielecka.
Reflecting on the award, Meza described it as a “personal honor” and a testament to the mentors and institutional support that have shaped her development as an educator. She views teaching as a collective effort, one that contributes to “cultivating the love of science among the next generation.” Her doctoral research, which investigates the role of the oncogenic protein PIM1 in kidney cancer, further informs her teaching by connecting scientific discovery to medical advances. Through this work, Meza not only teaches science but also builds pathways for students to engage with and contribute to it.
Kimberly Stephanie Meza, Hannah Shabtian, Katyayni Seth, and Alexander F. Hardan receive Excellence in Teaching Awards at the University Awards Ceremony on April 29, 2026.