Two mechanical engineering faculty members received a 2022 Distinguished Achievement Award from Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students.
Dr. J.N. Reddy and Dr. Matt Pharr of the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering were among five College of Engineering members honored at the April 25 ceremony. The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award is one of the highest university honors, recognizing faculty or staff achievements in teaching, research, individual student relationships, continuing education/extension, graduate mentoring, staff and administration.
Reddy received the Distinguished Achievement Award for Graduate Mentoring. In previous years, he was also recognized with The Association’s awards for teaching as well as for research.
"This award for graduate student mentoring is special to me because it is presented to me with the support from the toughest critics of our profession — namely, the students," Reddy said. "Any meaningful compliment from the students, especially after they are long gone, gives a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction."
Along with effective teaching, Reddy said mentoring students is one of the most important responsibilities of faculty members.
"Teaching students the art and skills of investigation, communication, technical writing, proposal preparation, interpersonal skills and so on is very important because such skills help the students in their next job and life in general," Reddy said.
Pharr, who joined the department in 2016, received the Distinguished Achievement Award for teaching. Passionate about educating the next generation of engineers, Pharr said he tries to go beyond the academic content of his courses to inspire his students.
"I try to show students that science and engineering are fun, exciting and good career choices," Pharr said. "The students at Texas A&M are so energetic and full of fresh ideas. Teaching gives me a chance to provide some guidance and insight along the way, such that the students can fully harness their energy, ideas and potential."
Pharr added that he continues to be impressed by the community of students and alumni at Texas A&M, and he is appreciative of this recognition.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award," Pharr said. "Becoming a part of that community has been a lot of fun and I am proud to see that my former students have enjoyed my courses."