ҹɫÊÓƵ

Engineering Education faculty dedicated to student success in academia, industry

Engineering faculty are committed to integrating innovative, research-based learning strategies that enhance student engagement, improve persistence and retention and develop a skilled workforce.

Through hands-on experiences, interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships, faculty members ensure that students are equipped with technical expertise and the problem-solving and leadership skills necessary for impactful careers.

Engineering Assistant Dean Candice Bauer led the effort to successfully maintain accreditation standards and is developing cohort studies to enhance data-driven decision-making to ensure continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes. These efforts align with the College’s mission to advance engineering education and support the long-term success of its graduates.

A prime example of this commitment is Engineering Communications, ENGR 301. The course hosts poster sessions each semester to showcase student projects that demonstrate the societal impact of engineering. This event provides a platform for students to present their work on addressing real-world challenges, reinforcing the broader purpose of engineering as a means to serve communities and drive technological advancement. Among those recognized for their contributions to this effort are Engineering lecturers Gabrielle Bachand, Jamie Gutual and Ryan Schoenfeld, who play key roles in making the sessions a success.

The College continues to prioritize innovative education and hands-on learning experiences, ensuring that students gain technical knowledge and develop the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for career success. Through the dedication of faculty and student-centered initiatives like the ENGR 301 poster session, the College remains at the forefront of engineering education and workforce development.

Kelly Keselica, left, and Ann-Marie Vollstedt both received teaching awards in fall 2024.

Engineering educators demonstate commitment

The College of Engineering is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ann-Marie Vollstedt and Kelly Keselica, whose dedication to student learning has earned them both teaching awards. 

Last spring, Vollstedt was recognized with the Nevada Regents’ Teaching Award, given annually to two faculty members with distinguished records of teaching. Keselica received the F. Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher Award, given to faculty who go beyond traditional teaching approaches to enhance student engagement and success.

The two join a notable group of Engineering faculty who have been recognized for excellence in teaching. In addition to the Tibbitts and Regents’ awards, three Engineering faculty have recieved the Paul and Judy Bible Teaching Excellence Award. Unlike many faculty awards, this distinction is based on student nominations, emphasizing the direct impact an educator has on learners.

Supporting the University’s land grant mission

Preparing students for roles in industry, goverment and academia is central to the College. This objective aligns with the ҹɫÊÓƵ’s mission as a land grant university: to strive for the betterment of humanity, the environment and Nevada by encompassing the University’s goals to improve lives through teaching, research and outreach.

The College endeavors to meet that challenge by emphasizing data-driven decision-making to ensure continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes. Through these efforts, the College seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers to innovate and lead.