Faculty Recognized for Excellence in Research, Teaching and Innovation

June 29, 2015 -- For the second consecutive year, the Samueli School has honored faculty members with annual recognition awards at the spring faculty meeting. Dean Gregory Washington initiated the accolades last year to acknowledge the valued contributions of faculty.

The awards were given to one early-career, mid-career and senior faculty member in the categories of research excellence and innovation in teaching.  One professor was selected as the Innovator of the Year. The 2015 honorees are:

Innovator of the Year: Elliot Botvinick, associate professor, biomedical engineering

This award is presented to an individual or team who best demonstrates innovation in the development of a product or technology. The award recognizes achievements in which the innovation has successfully translated the research emanating from our laboratories into new products and technologies that can be used by the public at large.

Excellence in Research

This recognition is given to faculty members who have conducted exceptional fundamental or applied research in one or more areas, or who have made a single or unique contribution to engineering concepts, and in which the research is responsive to or has an impact on society as a whole.

Early Career: Anima Anandkumar, assistant professor, electrical engineering and computer science

Mid Career: Syed Jafar, professor, electrical engineering and computer science

Senior Career: Soroosh Sorooshian, Distinguished Professor, civil and environmental engineering

Innovation in Teaching

This award is presented to a faculty team or individual in the Samueli School who has made outstanding contributions to the improvement of undergraduate engineering education. It is meant to recognize the demonstrated impact of innovation in the education process, including the design, development and application of new pedagogy, teaching tools and assessment methods. Exceptional teaching in the classroom is also considered. Selection will favor those whose contributions have made important, pervasive improvements in engineering education with a significant potential for long-term impact.

Early Career: Amir AghaKouchak, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering

Mid Career: Ali Mohraz, associate professor, chemical engineering and materials science

Senior Career: Faryar Jabbari, professor, mechanical and aerospace engineering