Although the University of Pittsburgh’s Samuel Dickerson had no plans to pursue a career teaching computer engineering, a cryptic message led him into the classroom in 2013. Thirteen years later, he has inspired countless Pitt engineering students while advancing education across the Swanson School of Engineering.

On March 28, the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) awarded Dickerson with its 2026 North Central Section Outstanding Teacher Award, which recognizes exceptional teachers who help transform how engineering is taught.

Dickerson’s journey to the classroom began with an email from his mentor and former professor, Marlin Mickle. The message simply read: “Can you come to my office?”

Dickerson had already earned his PhD in computer engineering from the Swanson School in 2012 and was working at a Pittsburgh startup. “I did make my way to Dr. Mickle’s office,” Dickerson said. “He handed me a binder of his handwritten notes for his course Computer Networks. He said that I was the person to teach it.”

Although Dickerson continued to work at the startup, he began teaching as an adjunct and loved it. Today, he is an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Vice Chair for Education and Director of Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program. He advises approximately 300 computer engineering students each year and has helped transform the department’s curriculum.

Dickerson is guided by his belief in individualized, hands-on learning. “I always spend one-on-one time with every student, no matter how large the class is,” Dickerson said. “I teach classes where students are working with their hands, on circuits or robots, and we’ll work together to solve problems.”

Dickerson credits Mickle and other mentors like Steven Jacobs, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Renee Clark, associate professor of industrial engineering, with helping him become the educator he is today.

“Steve’s level of organization and the rigor and challenge he introduces into the classroom have been so influential,” Dickerson said. “And before meeting Renee, I knew very little about evidence-based teaching practices. She not only introduced them to me but showed me how to use them in the classroom. She has invested a lot of time with me.”

In 2024, Clark and Dickerson collaborated on a $349,551 NSF project to define ethical engineering and develop techniques and tools to effectively teach judgement and ethics to undergraduate engineers. The project reflects one of the many ways Dickerson seeks to expand the possibilities of an engineering education.

“Sam is a terrific educator and advisor who always puts our students first,” said Alan George, Department Chair, R&H Mickle Endowed Chair, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and SHREC founder. “He played a vital role when our department reenvisioned its curriculum, and he continues to create new, hands-on opportunities for our students to develop and apply their skills, preparing them for their next steps after graduation.”

“Professors really care about their teaching, about making a difference in their students’ lives. Recognition like this ASEE award is so important,” Dickerson said. “I’m honored to receive it.”

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