Graduating seniors selected Geoff Tsai, an assistant teaching professor of mechanical engineering, as the recipient of the 2025-26 Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Faculty Award. Tsai, a first-time recipient, said that the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from students.

“I give teaching my all, and it’s what I spend the most time thinking about because I care a lot about the students’ learning experience and development as mechanical engineers and members of society,” Tsai said. “That they would let me into their thoughts, that they can be open-minded and consider concepts, that they are willing to put their energy, time, and hard work into class, that I get to witness them becoming passionate about mechanical engineering — that is already the reward to me as an educator. So, to be selected for this award on top of all of that, to have this effort be recognized, I feel like I’ve won the lottery twice.”

Tsai said that he feels fortunate to have seen the Class of 2026 learn and create across multiple courses, including Arduino projects in ME 10, structural analysis and optimization in ME 108, and experiments in ME 105.

“It’s been wonderful to get to know you, learn about your diverse interests, and marvel at your amazing creativity,” he said.

His advice to the graduates was to carry forward both their skills and the support they received along the way.

“Don’t accept the world as it is,” he said. “Use and continue to develop your talents to change something in this world to make it a better place. Reflect on the help and kindness that others showed you and helped you get where you are today, and seek out ways to pay that forward. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”

Read full article here: Class of 2026 Recognizes Outstanding Faculty