Olivia J. McMahonPenn Engineering is pleased to announce the faculty recipients of the 2024 Student Choice Awards. Each year, the Penn Engineering undergraduate student body thoughtfully selects the recipients of these awards for their dedication in teaching, mentorship and student advocacy.
This year’s winners are Joseph Devietti, Douglas Jerolmack, Bomyi Lim, Shu Yang and Mark Licurse.
Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising
Joseph Devietti, Associate Professor in Computer and Information Science, has been awarded the Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising, which recognizes dedication to helping students realize their educational, career and personal goals.
Devietti was recognized by students for investing his time in mentoring student projects outside of the classroom. “He allows students to utilize his lab’s resources for academic exploration and projects and explains technical details that would enable them to succeed outside the classroom,” states one student.
Devietti received both a B.S.E. in Computer Science and a B.A in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. He then earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Washington in 2009 and 2012, respectively.
S. Reid Warren, Jr. Award
Douglas Jerolmack, Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics and in Earth and Environmental Science, has been awarded the S. Reid Warren, Jr. Award. Presented in conjunction with the Engineering Alumni Society, this award recognizes outstanding service in stimulating and guiding the intellectual and professional development of undergraduate students at the School.
Jerolmack’s students describe his dedication to helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom, stating that “his positive mindset and advice has proved to be invaluable to the development of his students’ interest in engineering and applying classroom knowledge to their professional lives.”
Jerolmack received his undergraduate degree from Drexel University in 2001 and went on to earn a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006.
Student Advocacy Award
Bomyi Lim, Assistant professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, is the recipient of the Student Advocacy Award. This award is presented to a member of the Penn Engineering faculty by the Underrepresented Student Advisory Board in Engineering (USABE) in recognition of their outstanding commitment to women and underrepresented student advocacy, equity and inclusion.
One student remarks, “I would not have persevered and grown as much as I did if it had not been for Dr. Lim’s commitment to diversity in engineering and mentorship.”
Lim received a B.S.E. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010. She then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Princeton University in 2015.
Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award
Shu Yang, Joseph Bordogna Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, has been awarded the Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award. Presented in conjunction with the Engineering Alumni Society, this award recognizes outstanding research mentorship of undergraduate students and commitment to the promotion, training, and encouragement of diverse students in research.
Yang has been described by students as a research mentor that motivates every student to pursue their interests and while being supportive of independent projects. “She constantly encourages students to take advantage of all available opportunities and guides them through every step of the research process, including applying for grants and research presentations,” notes one student.
Yang received a B.S. in Materials Science from Fudan University in 1992. She then earned both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Cornell University in 1997 and 1999, respectively.
Hatfield Award for Excellence in Teaching for Faculty in the Lecturer/Practice Professor Track
Mark Licurse, Lecturer in Materials Science and Engineering, has been awarded the Hatfield Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Lecturer and Practice Professor Track. Presented to a lecturer, senior lecturer or practice professor in Penn Engineering the 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.
Students commended Licurse’s ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and topics in a way that students can understand. One student comments that Licurse “goes above and beyond to engage students, creating interactive learning exercises and demonstrations.” Students also cited his genuine care for student success and noted how he always made students feel confident in their ability to learn the material.
Licurse earned both a B.S.E. and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 and 2013, respectively.