SOE faculty members honored for excellence

Each year, the Schools of Arts & Sciences and Engineering recognize faculty whose teaching, advising, and service reflect the university’s highest values. From transformative teaching to distinguished advising and tireless service, these awards shine a spotlight on the individuals who embody the university’s mission at its finest. This year, several School of Engineering faculty members earned top honors for their outstanding contributions to academic life and the broader Tufts community.

The Engineering Seymour Simches Award for Distinguished Teaching and Advising: Associate Professor Chorng Hwa Chang and Professor Lenore Cowen

This year’s Seymour Simches Award for Distinguished Teaching and Advising honors two faculty members who exemplify excellence in instruction and mentorship.

Associate Professor Chorng Hwa Chang, of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, joined Tufts in 1987 and currently directs the Tufts Wireless Lab. He served as director of the Computer Engineering Program from 1988 to 2023, during which he participated in seven ABET accreditations—leading six of them. Chang also founded the Tufts–National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Summer Exchange Research Program, which will launch this year with seven Tufts students traveling to NCKU and six NCKU students visiting Tufts. Throughout his tenure, Chang has taught a range of courses including digital logic circuit design, microprocessor architecture, parallel processing, computer architecture, computer communication networks, embedded systems, and wireless communication networks. His commitment to teaching and student support continues to resonate across the department today.

Professor Lenore Cowen, of the Department of Computer Science, has been a member of the Tufts faculty since 2001. Celebrated for her dedication to student advising and classroom engagement, she also holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Mathematics. Cowen is a recipient of the 2020 CRA-E Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentoring Award. In the same year, she was among four awardees of the National Center for Women & Information Technology's 2020 Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award. In recognition of her research and academic leadership, she was named a Fellow of both the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) in 2023. 

The Henry and Madeline Fischer Award: Assistant Teaching Professor Angela Lai and John R. Beaver Professor Chris Rogers

Selected by graduating seniors, the Henry and Madeline Fischer Award—also known as the “Engineering’s Teacher of the Year” award—recognizes exceptional dedication to teaching and student mentorship.

Assistant Teaching Professor Angela Lai, of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, joined Tufts in 2023 and quickly made her mark through her work in the BME Senior Design course. Her classes utilize universal design for learning and equip students to tackle complex issues in the biomedical field. Lai is recognized for providing both constructive challenge and support to students, contributing to their confidence and success in capstone work.

Professor Chris Rogers, John R. Beaver Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, shares this year’s honor. A founding member of the Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach, Rogers is known for his deep commitment to education. His work spans educational research, tool development, outreach, and teacher training. His teaching philosophy centers on understanding how students think and designing innovative technologies that enhance learning both in classrooms and beyond.

The Lerman-Neubauer Prize for Outstanding Teaching and Advising: Assistant Teaching Professor Richard Townsend

Assistant Teaching Professor Richard Townsend of the Department of Computer Science received the Lerman-Neubauer Prize, an honor awarded annually to a faculty member who has made a profound intellectual and personal impact on students, both in and outside the classroom.

Nominated by graduating seniors, Townsend was recognized for his deep commitment to student learning and mentorship. Since joining Tufts in 2019, he has brought a passion for teaching that reflects his transition from researcher to full-time instructor. Townsend also directs the Emerging Scholars Program, which gives introductory-level instruction on the field of computer science while cultivating a strong peer community. His ability to foster both technical skill and intellectual curiosity in the classroom exemplifies the values of this award.

The Recognition of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award: Tiampo Family Assistant Professor Srivalleesha Mallidi

Tiampo Family Assistant Professor Srivalleesha Mallidi, of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, was awarded the Recognition of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award. This honor highlights tenure-track faculty members who demonstrate a deep commitment to undergraduate education, mentorship, and academic growth.

Mallidi, an acclaimed researcher and mentor, is celebrated not only for her biomedical imaging work but also for her ability to translate research insights into transformative classroom experiences. She earned the Faculty Mentorship Award from the AS&E Graduate Student Council in 2023 for her supportive role with students. Mallidi’s dedication to student learning, combined with a passion for innovation and service, makes her a standout educator in the lab and lecture hall settings.

Congratulations to the winners! Learn more about Tufts AS&E faculty awards.