Dr. Pamela (Vaughan) Benz, Professor and Associate Chair, holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Maryland, teaches instrumental and general chemistry, and works with undergraduate students on independent research projects. Benz's primary research focus is photo-chemistry, examining the environmental impacts of toxic contaminants. Publications featuring her work include Marine Pollution Bulletin, Limnology and Oceanography, Photochemistry and Photobiology, and the Journal of Physical Chemistry. Since joining UWF in 2005, Benz has served in various leadership roles, including college leadership councils. In 2010, she founded the Office of Undergraduate Research and, with funding from the Department of Education, created the UWF STEM Success program. She now serves as the UWF STEM Living Learning Community Director in President’s Hall.
Awards include the UWF Faculty Excellence in Teaching or Advising Award, 2021, Friend of Diversity, OEDIA Award UWF ADVANCE team: Outstanding collaboration toward achieving excellence in diversity, 2015, and the UWF Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and Advising Award in 2008