Rigoberto Hernandez

Rigoberto Hernandez is a distinguished academic leader and professor at the Physics University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. With a profound interest in academic leadership, academic roles, and the teacher-scholar model, Professor Hernandez has been instrumental in shaping the future of academic leadership within the scientific community. His dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders is evident through his active participation in initiatives such as the Cottrell Scholars Collaborative (CSC) Academic Leadership Team (ALT) Workshop. In 2018, Professor Hernandez played a pivotal role in the CSC ALT Workshop, which was designed to equip aspiring academic leaders in chemistry, physics, and astronomy with practical advice and tools. The workshop, held from February 26 to February 28, 2017, in Washington, DC, featured a comprehensive 360-degree analysis and engagement with established academic leaders. This initiative aimed to inspire faculty members to identify and support potential future leaders within their departments. Professor Hernandez, alongside esteemed colleagues such as Karen Bjorkman from the University of Toledo and Peter Dorhout from Kansas State University, contributed significantly to the workshop's success. Their collective expertise and commitment to advancing the teacher-scholar model provided invaluable insights to participants. The workshop emphasized the importance of nurturing mid-career faculty members and Cottrell Scholars, offering them a platform to enhance their leadership skills. The workshop also encouraged support to defray travel costs and registration fees for attendees, ensuring accessibility for all participants. The application deadline for this transformative event was November 1st, 2016, with a preference for those committed to the teacher-scholar model. Professor Hernandez's involvement in such initiatives underscores his dedication to academic leadership and his unwavering support for the development of future leaders in the scientific community. Through his work, Professor Hernandez continues to inspire and mentor emerging leaders, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in academia. His contributions to the field of academic leadership are a testament to his commitment to advancing the teacher-scholar model and supporting the growth of future academic leaders.