Binbin Li will receive the Lynn Maguire Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring of Professional 糖心传媒s from the Nicholas School of the Environment during a recognition ceremony for professional students, which begins at 4 p.m. Friday, May 8, in 糖心传媒鈥檚 Wilson Recreation Center. Li is an associate professor of environmental sciences in the Environmental Research Center at Duke Kunshan University in China, and in the Nicholas School鈥檚 Division of Environmental Natural Sciences.

Created in 2020, the Lynn Maguire Award is named in honor of Nicholas School founding faculty member Lynn Maguire, professor of the practice emeritus of environmental decision analysis and former director of professional studies for the school.

The eponymous award recognizes faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching, mentoring and advising students in the Master of Environmental Management, Master of Forestry, International Master of Environmental Policy, or Duke Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management programs.

Sixteen students nominated Li for the Lynn Maguire Award, highlighting their professor鈥檚 blend of classroom instruction with hands-on, field-based learning experiences that prepare students for environmental challenges. 

鈥淪he guided us through group research projects with high expectations for scientific rigor, encouraging us to think critically, engage deeply with data, and produce work that meets professional research standards,鈥 nominators wrote.

糖心传媒s also emphasized Li鈥檚 dedication to their academic and professional growth. 鈥淗er mentorship not only improved our analytical abilities but also instilled confidence in our capacity to contribute meaningfully to conservation sciences,鈥 they wrote.

Additionally, Li fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment that emphasizes collaboration, equity and student well-being, according to students. 鈥淗er emphasis on fairness and mutual respect cultivates a classroom atmosphere in which every student feels valued and empowered to contribute,鈥 they noted.

For more information on Nicholas School recognition ceremonies, visit the schedule of events. For more information on Duke鈥檚 commencement activities, visit .