College of DuPage Teachers Win National Innovation Awards

When Mohammad Morovati learned he'd won a national teaching excellence award, he couldn't believe it. The College of DuPage computer science professor was one of five faculty members honored by the League for Innovation in the Community College, joining over 300 educators nationwide recognized for advancing student success.

Morovati's latest achievement shows how community colleges are staying ahead of the curve. He recently launched a Certificate in Machine Learning that teaches students how to use artificial intelligence as a tool, not a crutch.

"You don't want AI to do the thinking for you," Morovati said. "You want to use it as an assistant, because in the end, you are responsible for the decisions, not the AI." Whether students work on farms, in pharmacies, or in education, AI literacy is becoming essential.

Chemistry professor Kathleen Hess brought a different kind of upgrade to her students. When she arrived at COD, the organic chemistry labs lacked the advanced instruments students would encounter at four-year universities.

Through research and collaboration with college leadership, Hess secured equipment including a mass spectrometer and an upgraded nuclear magnetic resonance instrument. Now COD students get the same hands-on experience as their peers at larger institutions.

"I'd like more people to think that chemistry is a good subject to study," Hess said. "I always say it's challenging, not hard. It's definitely rewarding."

Librarian Debra Smith connected students to public health through a traveling exhibit from the National Library of Medicine. The showcase highlighted student research and community partnerships, later earning additional recognition in a statewide photo contest.

Smith emphasized that innovation requires the right environment. "You can't be innovative unless you're in a space that allows it," she said, crediting her colleagues and students for the project's success.

The Ripple Effect

These awards represent more than individual achievement. They signal how community colleges are evolving to meet modern workforce demands while keeping education accessible and affordable.

By bringing university-level equipment, cutting-edge AI training, and community health initiatives to a two-year college, these educators are proving that exceptional learning experiences don't require prestigious zip codes or hefty tuition bills. Students gain practical skills that match industry standards without the four-year price tag.

The December 3, 2025 ceremony also honored Julie Adams and James Ferro for their contributions to student learning and innovation at COD.

Every student who learns to use AI responsibly or masters advanced lab equipment carries those skills into their community, multiplying the impact far beyond one classroom.