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Doctoral student Shangjing Xin and Dr. Daniel Alge with lab equipment on smiling
Dr. Daniel Alge, right, received the Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar Award in recognition of his ability and interest in teaching undergraduates. | Image: Texas A&M University

Dr. Daniel Alge, assistant professor at Texas A&M University, received the Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Scholar Award from the university, making him the first biomedical engineering faculty member to receive the award.

“I became a professor because I wanted to teach and impact students, so I am extremely honored to be named a Montague-CTE scholar. I'm also very humbled,” Alge said.

Every year, each college can select one faculty member to receive this award. Award recipients receive $6,500 to research and develop innovative teaching techniques. Alge said he enjoys finding ways to enhance his teaching with technology. Facilities such as the learning studios in the Zachry Engineering Education Complex and the upcoming 21st Century Classroom Building are equipped with state-of-the art technology, and Alge said they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

“I would like to see more development and use of technologies that improve how we deliver and interact with information,” Alge said.

He is planning to use his award to develop a virtual learning assistant for a biomaterials course, which he envisions will provide students with an invaluable tool for self-directed learning.

“It is easy to keep doing things the same way,” Alge said. “However, adopting new technologies or implementing new strategies in the classroom can help faculty become more effective teachers, which is something we should all strive for. Our students also benefit because they receive a high-quality education and are better equipped for their future, regardless of where their degree takes them.”

The Center for Teaching Excellence exists to provide leadership and services that contribute to improvement of teaching quality at Texas A&M. The Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence Scholars Program was initiated in 1991 as a cornerstone effort in this quest for sustained excellence.