Joshua S. Muldavin

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An assistant professor of geography, Joshua Muldavin displays a profound commitment to learning and the ideas of the University, along with a strong faith in his students’ ability to comprehend and grapple with complicated, multifaceted issues.

Recognized as an engaging lecturer, Muldavin has an uncanny ability to communicate complex ideas with enthusiasm. Known for facilitating lively, highly constructive seminars, Muldavin’s energy and sense of humor can turn a lecture of 150 students into an interactive class more akin to a discussion session. He is able to get students to challenge themselves and each other while maintaining a supportive and constructive environment in the classroom.

Muldavin shares his strong belief in the power of critical thinking with his students, expecting them to develop their own ideas and respecting their opinions. A highly effective and dedicated mentor, he willingly gives his time to undergraduate and graduate students alike. His proactive style and reputation are often the deciding factors for students to come to UCLA.

Yet Muldavin’s teaching and research accomplishments are made all the more impressive by the fact that he dedicates vast amounts of time to the overall betterment of the University. Among myriad other activities, he serves as Faculty-in-Residence at Sunset Village, where he lives out the ideal of community service in his daily life.

In addition to his Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award, Professor Muldavin also received the Eby Award for Teaching. As one former student states, “In all my years as both a graduate and undergraduate student, I have never seen such a selfless, supportive, inspiration and effective teacher and mentor as Joshua Muldavin.” There is no better definition of a distinguished teacher.