Lanning Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
May 7, 2020 – Joel Lanning, civil and environmental engineering assistant professor of teaching, was named the Samueli School Dean’s Honoree for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, as part of the 2020 Celebration of Teaching. Announced by the UC Irvine Division of Undergraduate Education, this year’s awardees will be honored at a celebration event once the campus re-opens.
Selected by Dean Gregory Washington, Lanning was recognized for his efforts to engage engineering students in class settings, his involvement with senior design projects and his development of new courses, specifically, the CEE 152 Computer Methods in Structural Analysis online course. The course curriculum focuses on utilizing new tools that allow for more natural communication through remote learning.
He also annually organizes industry volunteers to guide undergrad students through real world projects, introducing them to cutting-edge technologies that aid civil and environmental engineering designs. Notable projects have included high-resolution drones that generate survey-grade 3D models and the use of artificial intelligence.
Lanning said he continually endeavors to craft relatable student-centered interactive demonstrations that connect concepts to design specifications and procedures. “I was very honored to be selected as the Dean's Honoree,” he said. “Having my many teaching-related efforts recognized was really encouraging, especially as a professor of teaching.”
– Megan Lohre
