Biology professor receives faculty spotlight

South Texas College (STC) Professor of Biology MD Zaman, Ph.D., recently received a 2024 faculty spotlight award. The recognition highlights his exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to his department and students, aligning with STC’s vision of academic excellence.

Annually, the college acknowledges faculty members who excel in teaching effectiveness, college and community service, professional and scholarly pursuits.

With over 30 years of teaching experience and numerous publications to his name, Zaman expressed that this recognition from his peers was incredibly meaningful.

“I was surprised when I heard the news about the recognition. I am humbly here in this position now because of the students,” he shared. “I deeply appreciate that my peers see something in me that they deem meaningful and impactful for our department. All I have ever hoped to do is continue adding to the excellence of our wonderful Biology department.”

Zaman explained that after graduating from his postdoctoral program from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicines’ Division of Pediatric Oncology in 1991, he dedicated his life to teaching, ultimately leading him to STC in 2018.

“I have always been passionate about biology and especially research within the field,” he said. “When I was pursuing my graduate and postdoctoral degrees, I always knew my end goal was to be a professor. In fact, I never looked for any other kinds of jobs other than teaching positions. That journey led me to this college about six years ago and I plan to continue teaching and working with students for as long as my health allows.”

Motivated to shatter the stigma that students at two-year institutions don’t engage in scholarly research, Zaman expressed his passion for working with his department to transform that perception and help create educational opportunities for students.

“I am highly motivated to break the stigma or misconceptions about two-year institutions and scholarly research,” Zaman shared. “Working with my department to make this a reality has been eye-opening. Many of our students have benefited significantly from conducting their own studies and transferring out to four-year institutions.”

Constantly inspired by the academic excellence at the college, Zaman said it’s his students who are the true marker for his success.

“I always say that the key to my success is seeing my students succeed. From the courses I teach to my service in the department, I intentionally create each interaction to be a moment of inspiration for my students,” he said. “I try my best to empower them to gain as much experience as possible by pursuing research, knowing it is extremely valuable in the field. My ultimate goal is to not only collaborate with my peers to create a solid foundation within our department, but to also continue developing highly marketable students.”

In celebration of his recent achievement, Biology Program Chair Maria Cervantes Ph.D., reflected on the profound influence Zaman will continue to have on the countless students who take his courses.

“Zaman exemplifies excellence in both scholarship and mentorship,” Cervantes shared. “His multidisciplinary expertise and impactful research have significantly advanced our field, while his dedication to mentoring students ensures his legacy of scientific inquiry. We are confident that legacy will continue through the next generation of scientists he inspires.”