{"id":159650,"date":"2026-04-07T18:04:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/159650\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:04:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:04:15","slug":"asee-recognizes-samuel-dickerson-with-its-2026-north-central-section-outstanding-teaching-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/159650\/","title":{"rendered":"ASEE Recognizes Samuel Dickerson with Its 2026 North Central Section Outstanding Teaching Award"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s Samuel Dickerson<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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

Dickerson\u2019s journey to the classroom began with an email from his mentor and former professor, Marlin Mickle<\/a>. The message simply read: \u201cCan you come to my office?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dickerson had already earned his PhD in computer engineering from the Swanson School in 2012 and was working at a Pittsburgh startup. \u201cI did make my way to Dr. Mickle\u2019s office,\u201d Dickerson said. \u201cHe handed me a binder of his handwritten notes for his course Computer Networks. He said that I was the person to teach it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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\u2019s curriculum.<\/p>\n

Dickerson is guided by his belief in individualized, hands-on learning. \u201cI always spend one-on-one time with every student, no matter how large the class is,\u201d Dickerson said. \u201cI teach classes where students are working with their hands, on circuits or robots, and we\u2019ll work together to solve problems.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSteve\u2019s level of organization and the rigor and challenge he introduces into the classroom have been so influential,\u201d Dickerson said. \u201cAnd 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2024, Clark and Dickerson collaborated on a $349,551 NSF project<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam is a terrific educator and advisor who always puts our students first,\u201d said Alan George, Department Chair, R&H Mickle Endowed Chair, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and SHREC<\/a> founder.\u00a0\u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProfessors really care about their teaching, about making a difference in their students\u2019 lives. Recognition like this ASEE award is so important,\u201d Dickerson said. \u201cI\u2019m honored to receive it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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