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2024 Award Recipients

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering and Courtesy Appointments, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering

 has used the video game Minecraft as an innovative way to connect foundational principles of materials science and engineering to students in mechanical engineering courses and beyond. Recognizing a need to “attract, train, and empower a diverse pipeline of skilled engineers” to work in various fields in the U.S., Dr. Jayan and her team have developed virtual classrooms, simulations, and even a textbook in Minecraft, which students of all levels find accessible and engaging. Her work extends beyond the Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë classroom and is available to other learners, including local middle schoolers who engage in the virtual learning experiences through outreach opportunities.

Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering

Jerry Wang has turned a simple idea around expressions of gratitude into an impactful and motivational learning experience. In both a sophomore-level undergraduate CEE course as well as a graduate-level elective, students are asked to write optional notes of appreciation — called “Participation Shoutouts” — to their classmates, and, if the letter writer chooses, are then shared anonymously back to the recipients. Through this work, Dr. Wang shows how the network of connections formed by sending notes relates to the graph theory he teaches, tapping into crucial socioemotional factors that are supported by research but are often overlooked in the classroom. The practice has had a profound impact on students, helping them develop lasting friendships, combat impostor syndrome, and improve morale.