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McGraw Hill Pathfinder Awards
Celebrating innovative educators from across PreK–12, higher ed and post-graduate education.
Founded in 2022, the McGraw Hill Pathfinder Awards honor three educators who have shown innovation and inventiveness in their approach to teaching, helping learners discover their unique path to success.
Congratulations to our 2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award winners - Richard Embrick, Dr. Farah Bennani, and Dr. Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter!
Meet Our Pathfinder Award Winners
2025
Richard Embrick
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Engineering & Robotics Teacher and Founder of STEMbrick Academy
Rosenberg, Texas
Richard is revolutionizing STEM education through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. His innovative STEM curriculum has been adopted across the district, expanding access for under-represented students. Read more.
Dr. Farah Bennani
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Dean of Math, Science and Engineering
Elgin, Illinois
Farah developed Remote Web-Based Science Labs (RWSLB), which eliminate barriers to hands-on scientific exploration, improving access and retention for underrepresented students. Read more.
Dr. Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Professor, Communications Studies
Lubbock, Texas
Narissra integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven tools, virtual simulations, and gamified assessments to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Read more.
2024
Dr. Melissa Collins
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
2nd grade teacher, John P. Freeman Optional School
Memphis, Tennessee
Melissa founded an after-school club called “The Future Leaders of STEM” where students in 3rd to 8th grade interact with professionals of color and are inducted through a White Coat Ceremony. Read more.
Lauren Hynicka, Pharm.D, BCPS, RYT-200
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Associate Professor of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland
Lauren developed hands-on electives focused on integrative medicine and nutrition for improved patient and provider health, addressing an increasing desire from patients for broader, more inclusive care that is focused on health and wellness. Watch Video.
Dr. Rachel Prado
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Chemistry and Biochemistry Senior Lecturer, Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Rachel led the creation of a web-based XR activity to help organic chemistry students visualize in 3D, addressing a notable spatial ability gap often along gender lines. Read more.
2023
Roger Lee Mendoza, Ph.D.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Business professor, California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Roger has devoted his career to developing and fine-tuning approaches to making his teaching engaging and interesting to the incredibly diverse group of students in his courses. Read more.
Ibrahim Odeh, Ph.D., MBA
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Founding Director, Global Leaders in Construction Management at Columbia University
New York, N.Y.
Created online construction management courses using a roster of world-renowned guest presenters to teach students how abstract concepts are translated into real-life projects. Read more.
Melissa Tracy, M.A., M.Ed.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Food Studies and Social Studies Teacher at Odyssey Charter School
Wilmington, Del.
Melissa transformed an elective Food Studies course into a massive agriscience program that has multiple outdoor gardens, goats and chickens, a hydroponic lab and opportunities for students to earn dual-enrollment college credits. Read more.
2025
Richard Embrick
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Engineering & Robotics Teacher and Founder of STEMbrick Academy
Rosenberg, Texas
Richard is revolutionizing STEM education through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. His innovative STEM curriculum has been adopted across the district, expanding access for under-represented students. Read more.
Dr. Farah Bennani
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Dean of Math, Science and Engineering
Elgin, Illinois
Farah developed Remote Web-Based Science Labs (RWSLB), which eliminate barriers to hands-on scientific exploration, improving access and retention for underrepresented students. Read more.
Dr. Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Professor, Communications Studies
Lubbock, Texas
Narissra integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven tools, virtual simulations, and gamified assessments to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Read more.
2024
Dr. Melissa Collins
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
2nd grade teacher, John P. Freeman Optional School
Memphis, Tennessee
Melissa founded an after-school club called “The Future Leaders of STEM” where students in 3rd to 8th grade interact with professionals of color and are inducted through a White Coat Ceremony. Read more.
Lauren Hynicka, Pharm.D, BCPS, RYT-200
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Associate Professor of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland
Lauren developed hands-on electives focused on integrative medicine and nutrition for improved patient and provider health, addressing an increasing desire from patients for broader, more inclusive care that is focused on health and wellness. Watch Video.
Dr. Rachel Prado
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Chemistry and Biochemistry Senior Lecturer, Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Rachel led the creation of a web-based XR activity to help organic chemistry students visualize in 3D, addressing a notable spatial ability gap often along gender lines. Read more.
2023
Roger Lee Mendoza, Ph.D.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Business professor, California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Roger has devoted his career to developing and fine-tuning approaches to making his teaching engaging and interesting to the incredibly diverse group of students in his courses. Read more.
Ibrahim Odeh, Ph.D., MBA
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Founding Director, Global Leaders in Construction Management at Columbia University
New York, N.Y.
Created online construction management courses using a roster of world-renowned guest presenters to teach students how abstract concepts are translated into real-life projects. Read more.
Melissa Tracy, M.A., M.Ed.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Food Studies and Social Studies Teacher at Odyssey Charter School
Wilmington, Del.
Melissa transformed an elective Food Studies course into a massive agriscience program that has multiple outdoor gardens, goats and chickens, a hydroponic lab and opportunities for students to earn dual-enrollment college credits. Read more.
2025
Richard Embrick
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Engineering & Robotics Teacher and Founder of STEMbrick Academy
Rosenberg, Texas
Richard is revolutionizing STEM education through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. His innovative STEM curriculum has been adopted across the district, expanding access for under-represented students. Read more.
Dr. Farah Bennani
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Dean of Math, Science and Engineering
Elgin, Illinois
Farah developed Remote Web-Based Science Labs (RWSLB), which eliminate barriers to hands-on scientific exploration, improving access and retention for underrepresented students. Read more.
Dr. Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Professor, Communications Studies
Lubbock, Texas
Narissra integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven tools, virtual simulations, and gamified assessments to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Read more.
2024
Dr. Melissa Collins
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
2nd grade teacher, John P. Freeman Optional School
Memphis, Tennessee
Melissa founded an after-school club called “The Future Leaders of STEM” where students in 3rd to 8th grade interact with professionals of color and are inducted through a White Coat Ceremony. Read more.
Lauren Hynicka, Pharm.D, BCPS, RYT-200
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Associate Professor of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland
Lauren developed hands-on electives focused on integrative medicine and nutrition for improved patient and provider health, addressing an increasing desire from patients for broader, more inclusive care that is focused on health and wellness. Watch Video.
Dr. Rachel Prado
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Chemistry and Biochemistry Senior Lecturer, Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Rachel led the creation of a web-based XR activity to help organic chemistry students visualize in 3D, addressing a notable spatial ability gap often along gender lines. Read more.
2023
Roger Lee Mendoza, Ph.D.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Business professor, California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Roger has devoted his career to developing and fine-tuning approaches to making his teaching engaging and interesting to the incredibly diverse group of students in his courses. Read more.
Ibrahim Odeh, Ph.D., MBA
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Founding Director, Global Leaders in Construction Management at Columbia University
New York, N.Y.
Created online construction management courses using a roster of world-renowned guest presenters to teach students how abstract concepts are translated into real-life projects. Read more.
Melissa Tracy, M.A., M.Ed.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Food Studies and Social Studies Teacher at Odyssey Charter School
Wilmington, Del.
Melissa transformed an elective Food Studies course into a massive agriscience program that has multiple outdoor gardens, goats and chickens, a hydroponic lab and opportunities for students to earn dual-enrollment college credits. Read more.
2025
Richard Embrick
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Engineering & Robotics Teacher and Founder of STEMbrick Academy
Rosenberg, Texas
Richard is revolutionizing STEM education through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. His innovative STEM curriculum has been adopted across the district, expanding access for under-represented students. Read more.
Dr. Farah Bennani
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Dean of Math, Science and Engineering
Elgin, Illinois
Farah developed Remote Web-Based Science Labs (RWSLB), which eliminate barriers to hands-on scientific exploration, improving access and retention for underrepresented students. Read more.
Dr. Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter
2025 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Professor, Communications Studies
Lubbock, Texas
Narissra integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven tools, virtual simulations, and gamified assessments to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Read more.
2024
Dr. Melissa Collins
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
2nd grade teacher, John P. Freeman Optional School
Memphis, Tennessee
Melissa founded an after-school club called “The Future Leaders of STEM” where students in 3rd to 8th grade interact with professionals of color and are inducted through a White Coat Ceremony. Read more.
Lauren Hynicka, Pharm.D, BCPS, RYT-200
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Associate Professor of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Baltimore, Maryland
Lauren developed hands-on electives focused on integrative medicine and nutrition for improved patient and provider health, addressing an increasing desire from patients for broader, more inclusive care that is focused on health and wellness. Watch Video.
Dr. Rachel Prado
2024 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Chemistry and Biochemistry Senior Lecturer, Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Rachel led the creation of a web-based XR activity to help organic chemistry students visualize in 3D, addressing a notable spatial ability gap often along gender lines. Read more.
2023
Roger Lee Mendoza, Ph.D.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Business professor, California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Roger has devoted his career to developing and fine-tuning approaches to making his teaching engaging and interesting to the incredibly diverse group of students in his courses. Read more.
Ibrahim Odeh, Ph.D., MBA
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Founding Director, Global Leaders in Construction Management at Columbia University
New York, N.Y.
Created online construction management courses using a roster of world-renowned guest presenters to teach students how abstract concepts are translated into real-life projects. Read more.
Melissa Tracy, M.A., M.Ed.
2023 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award Winner
Food Studies and Social Studies Teacher at Odyssey Charter School
Wilmington, Del.
Melissa transformed an elective Food Studies course into a massive agriscience program that has multiple outdoor gardens, goats and chickens, a hydroponic lab and opportunities for students to earn dual-enrollment college credits. Read more.
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2025 Participation
This year, CAST, a non-profit learning design, research, and professional services organization, contributed a 1-hour Professional Learning Consultation about inclusive, accessible learning design to the McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award prize package, as well as provided a representative to sit on our judging panel.
Sharing our vision of making education accessible for all, CAST continues to innovate and grow since they first pioneered the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a research-based framework that guides educators and others as they provide rich instructional supports, reduce unnecessary barriers to learning, and help all individuals have access to learning and agency as learners.
Who is eligible for the Pathfinder Award? Our national educator award program recognizes innovative, inventive teachers across PreK-12, higher ed and post-graduate education. To be eligible for our national educator award, entrant must be 18 years or older and a current instructor at a PreK-12, higher ed or post-graduate institution in the U.S. McGraw Hill employees and their families are not eligible to participate.
Educators may nominate themselves or can be nominated by another educator, administrator, student, family member or friend. Entrants are asked to provide answers to just a few short questions and can also submit an optional video or photo to accompany the application.
The nomination period for 2025 has officially closed, with winners announced on 5/6/2025. The 2026 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award entry period will open in November 2025 (specific date TBC).
Three (3) educators, one PreK-12 educator, one higher ed educator and one post-graduate educator will be selected as winners by a panel of 4 qualified judges. A representative from McGraw Hill School, McGraw Hill Higher Education, McGraw Hill Global Professional and a member of CAST – a non-profit education organization seeking to make learning more inclusive to all. Full details regarding submissions and awarding of prizes are included in the Official Rules.