Two faculty members were recognized among the University of Miami’s most distinguished educators as finalists for the 2025 Provost Awards, which honor outstanding mentorship, research, and teaching across all disciplines. 

Mariano Kanamori Nishimura, Ph.D., M.A., associate professor of public health sciences, received the Provost Award for Mentorship, while Raymond Balise, Ph.D., associate professor of biostatistics, was nominated for the Provost Award for Teaching Innovation. 

Administered by the Office of the Provost, the awards are part of a rigorous, university-wide process designed to identify and celebrate faculty whose work demonstrates exceptional excellence and impact. This year’s recognition reflects the department’s ongoing dedication to academic leadership, innovative pedagogy, and community-centered scholarship. 

“These awards are highly competitive and represent the highest level of recognition for faculty excellence within our institution,” said Viviana Horigian, M.D., M.H.A., professor and director of Public Health Education. “Even being shortlisted is an honor. I’m incredibly proud of Dr. Kanamori and Dr. Balise for their dedication to teaching and mentorship that continues to elevate our department.” 

Dr. Kanamori’s contributions to mentorship span continents and generations of scholars. His mentees have expanded upon the social network model he developed, applying it in new and impactful ways to address public health disparities. 

“I am deeply proud that my mentees are building upon and expanding the social network model I once dreamed of—transforming it into a powerful, growing force for impact far beyond what I could have imagined alone,” he said. 

Dr. Kanamori’s mentoring approach is grounded in his global public health research. “My research has provided me the privilege of engaging with and learning from communities living in extreme poverty across three continents,” he shared. “These experiences have profoundly shaped my mentoring philosophy. I often remind my students: Public health scientists should always remember that behind each participant’s ID number is a person or family in need. Our ultimate goal is not to find significant p-values but to help communities.” 

“Mentorship is not just a professional responsibility for me—it is a calling,” he added. “It is a lifelong commitment to shaping the careers of emerging scholars and ensuring that the next generation of public health leaders is prepared, empowered, and inspired to drive meaningful change in our communities.” 

Dr. Balise, nominated for the Provost Award for Teaching Innovation, was acknowledged for developing forward-thinking, student-centered teaching strategies. His work has helped cultivate an academic environment where critical thinking and applied learning flourish, preparing students to become effective public health professionals in a rapidly evolving field. 

The Office of the Provost supports and uplifts outstanding faculty contributions through several signature programs, including the Provost’s Awards for Faculty Excellence and Impact, Provost’s Teaching Awards, and the Provost’s Research Awards. Each year, the awards shine a light on the individuals shaping the future of scholarship, discovery, and education across the University of Miami.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on May 15, 2025.