CHS Professors Receive High-Impact and Innovative Teaching (HIIT) Awards

Published November 13, 2026
By Darlene Muguiro
UTEP College of Health Sciences

Dr. Jason Mallonee, clinical assistant professor and field practicum coordinator for the Master of Social Work Online Program, and Ms. Laurencia Almeida, clinical instructor and student laboratory coordinator for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program, were recognized earlier this month by the UTEP Provost’s Office and the Institute for Scholarship, Pedagogy, Innovation and Research (InSPIRE) at the annual High Impact and Innovative Teaching (HIIT) conference gala. Almeida and Mallonee received two of UTEP’s four HIIT awards. 

The annual HIIT conference is designed to highlight creative practices across UTEP in teaching and learning, and encourage faculty to implement meaningful changes that impact student learning outcomes. Each year, the conference includes a gala celebration highlighting UTEP faculty who have implemented exceptionally innovative teaching practices in their classrooms. Nominations are sought through a social campaign led by the Provost’s Office and are reviewed by the HIIT committee, comprised of representatives from the Office of the Provost, InSPIRE, Technology Support and UTEP Marketing and Communications. 

Mallonee, a Peer-Selected Award winner, said he likes to reflect each semester upon where his students are at when they begin the course versus at the end of the semester, ultimately looking for meaningful growth that reflects an increase in critical thinking skills. He believes that for teaching and learning to be transformative, the classroom has to be a collaborative space where students feel brave enough to “have difficult conversations and challenge each others’ thinking.” 

“We create a community of learners and co-develop expectations for how we’re going to interact in that space,” he said. “Effective teaching also builds off students’ existing knowledge, is connected to their interests and experience, and challenges them to think differently about a given topic.” 

Mallonee says that his work with social work students is incredibly rewarding as well as educational. 

“We plant seeds along their educational journey and get to watch them grow throughout the program and after graduation into professionals. Knowing that I played a small part in that is one of the things that makes being an educator so fulfilling,” he said. “I am also constantly learning alongside my students. In every class I teach, I walk away with a new way of thinking about something.” 

Almeida, recipient of a Student Choice Award, says that she seeks to create a supportive environment where students feel safe asking questions and learning from their mistakes. She believes impactful teaching ultimately helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world clinical practice. 

“When we approach teaching with genuine passion and creativity, whether through interactive games, bacterial art, living case studies, or dance, this breaks down the intimidation barrier for complex concepts,” she said. 

Almeida says the most meaningful part of her work with Clinical Laboratory Science students is watching students transform throughout the program, becoming confident professionals who are passionate about their profession. 

“The most rewarding part is watching my students transform from nervous learners into knowledgeable healthcare professionals who are confident in their skills and fully aware of the vital role they play in patient care,” she said.

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