Penn Engineering 2021 Teaching Awards

The recipients of the annual Penn Engineering teaching and advising awards are selected directly by Penn Engineering students after thoughtful consideration. The School is filled with gifted educators who inspire students with their dedication and excellence.

The S. Reid Warren, Jr., Award

Eric Detsi,  Stephenson Term Assistant Professor in Materials Science, has been awarded the S. Reid Warren, Jr., Award, which is presented annually by the undergraduate student body the and Engineering Alumni Society in recognition of outstanding service in stimulating and guiding the intellectual and professional development of undergraduate students.

Dr. Detsi was nominated for both his excellent teaching and his emphasis on engaging students in research. One student remarked that while teaching, “Dr. Detsi would go above and beyond,” occasionally even emailing students outside of class to make sure they understood the material. Through his research lab, Dr. Detsi has been extremely proactive in making sure students are engaged in projects.

Dr. Detsi received a BSc in Applied Physics from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands in 2006. He subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials from the University of Groningen.

Learn more about Dr. Detsi by visiting his website.

Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising

Chris Callison-Burch, Associate Professor in Computer and Information Science, has been awarded the Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising. This award recognizes dedication to helping students realize their educational, career and personal goals.

One student remarked, “Dr. Callison-Burch is a caring, engaging, and helpful advisor. He has made strong efforts to get to know his advisees on Zoom despite how hard we all know this can be. His dedication to both his research and his advisees & students is a clear inspiration.”

Dr. Callison-Burch received his B.S. in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University in 2000. He went on to earn M.S. in Computer Science and Ph.D. degree in Informatics from the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and 2008, respectively.

Learn more about Dr. Callison-Burch by visiting his faculty profile.

Hatfield Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Lecturer and Practice Professor Track

Bruce Kothmann, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, has been awarded the Hatfield Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Lecturer and Practice Professor Track. This award recognizes outstanding teaching ability, dedication to innovative undergraduate instruction, and exemplary service to the School in consistently inspiring students in the engineering and scientific profession.

Dr. Kothmann was nominated for his strength as a lecturer and his care for his students. In his lectures, Dr. Kothmann creates an environment where students can participate, struggle healthily, and learn. His engaging stories in lecture capture students’ attention. His students describe him as an “empathetic professor” who truly understands them.

Dr. Kothmann received his Ph.D. in Engineering from Princeton University.