| North Carolina A&T State University professor Dr. Salil S. Desai, is one of 17 faculty members chosen to receive the University of North Carolina system Board of Governors 2016 Awards for Excellence in Teaching.
“This award is a tribute to my students for their dedication toward learning and education. I would like to thank my colleagues for their continuous support and encouragement to achieve this significant milestone,” said Desai. “I firmly believe that educators have a much larger role to influence student lives by being inspiring role models in all walks of our lives.”
An associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), Desai has been an A&T faculty member since 2004. His expertise covers the areas of multiscale-multiphysics modeling, direct-write technologies, nanoimprint lithography, and combinatorial additive manufacturing with applications in biomedical implants, semiconductor electronics and energy devices. He is also the director of the university’s Integrated Nano and Bio Manufacturing Laboratory, a clean room in which students conduct fundamental research toward developing novel nano/bio manufacturing processes for a variety of applications.
A fierce proponent of the importance and essentiality of engineering and engineering concepts in society, Desai adapts a holistic instructional strategy, using a variety of didactical and assessment strategies that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
His work and research has netted more than $5 million from various public and private agencies including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to develop innovative courses and programs in advanced manufacturing.
Desai obtained his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Mumbai in India and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Each of this year’s winners will receive a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize. Desai will receive his award from a Board of Governors member during spring commencement.
The Board of Governors Awards for Excellence in Teaching was established in 1994 and reaffirms the Board’s position that teaching is the principal function of each of its 17 constituent institutions. |
