Dr. Cornelia Mihai, professor of chemistry for 13 years at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, recently was named the John Sheffield Teacher of the Year.

"I was emotionally touched learning that my students appreciated my teaching efforts, and they felt they have to share with me their appreciation," Mihai said about receiving the award. "It is a confirmation that my activity as an educator resonates with my students in a positive way."

Mihai was born in Bucharest, Romania. She holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering (technology of organic compounds) from Polytechnic Ins...