麻豆视频 has named physics instructor Stephen Rodrigue as the 2026 recipient of the Sherrie and Daryl Parker Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing his exceptional commitment to student success, mentorship and experiential learning.
Rodrigue, who has taught at YVC since the 2012-13 academic year, was selected based on student nominations highlighting his dedication, accessibility and ability to make complex scientific concepts meaningful and relevant.
鈥淚n physics, even the most chaotic systems follow underlying principles,鈥� Rodrigue said. 鈥淭hat idea carries over into teaching. My goal is to help students see that the universe 鈥� and their place in it 鈥� is something we can explore, understand and describe.鈥�
Originally from New Orleans, Rodrigue discovered an early fascination with science through books and curiosity-driven questions about how the world works. That interest led him to earn bachelor鈥檚 degrees in physics and mathematics and master鈥檚 degrees in both disciplines from the University of New Orleans, followed by a doctorate in engineering and applied science with a strong emphasis on physics and mathematics.
His academic and personal journey was profoundly shaped by Hurricane Katrina.
鈥淎fter I finished my PhD, I was teaching at Xavier University of Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit,鈥� Rodrigue said. 鈥淚 felt the need to leave town for a while. It was difficult staying and seeing the devastation every day.鈥�
鈥淚 lost an aunt,鈥� he added. 鈥淔or pretty much everyone from New Orleans who lived through that, there鈥檚 pre-Katrina and post-Katrina.鈥�
Encouraged by his doctoral adviser, Rodrigue relocated to Philadelphia and later to Wisconsin, where he continued research in signal and image processing and nonlinear dynamical systems. His doctoral work included chaos theory, a field that examines how seemingly random systems can be modeled using nonlinear mathematics.
鈥淢ost mathematics is linear, but the world is inherently nonlinear,鈥� Rodrigue said. 鈥淐haos theory shows you can describe something that seems random with relatively simple equations and try to model reality.鈥�
After several years focused on research, Rodrigue realized teaching was where he wanted to make the greatest impact.
鈥淚 missed teaching,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what ultimately brought me to Yakima Valley College.鈥�
At YVC, Rodrigue teaches a full range of physics and engineering courses serving STEM, pre-med, engineering and physical therapy students. He is also known for mentoring undergraduate research students, many of whom have explored interdisciplinary applications of chaos theory 鈥� from economics and traffic flow to epilepsy, schizophrenia and artificial limb design.
Students say Rodrigue鈥檚 influence extends well beyond the classroom.
鈥淚n the short time I鈥檝e been at YVC, Dr. Rodrigue has already made a profound impact on me,鈥� said Athena Tambanillo. 鈥淓ven with very heavy courses, he shows how much he cares about our success and well-being.鈥�
Kayle Jones described Rodrigue as 鈥渁 fantastic lecturer鈥� who is patient and adaptable. 鈥淗e explains concepts in multiple ways when students struggle and provides many opportunities to succeed as long as students make the effort,鈥� Jones said.
Rodrigue is also a longtime volunteer at YVC鈥檚 STEM Day and the Central Washington State Fair, where he leads hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity in young learners.
鈥淧roviding opportunities for kids to see science in action and start questioning the world around them is vitally important,鈥� Rodrigue said. 鈥淚t makes a difference.鈥�
The Sherrie and Daryl Parker Excellence in Teaching Award was established by longtime supporters of 麻豆视频 and honors a full-time faculty member whose extraordinary teaching and personal influence motivate students toward greater academic and personal achievement. The award includes a $2,500 unrestricted monetary gift and is selected by a committee based on student nominations.