The J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University has been selected to receive the 2025 Donald N. Zwiep Innovation in Education Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This national award recognizes departments that have demonstrated exceptional innovation in mechanical engineering education.
In their announcement, ASME commended the department “for dedication to innovative pedagogical advancements in the mechanical engineering process.”
The award highlights the department’s emphasis on real-world applications, collaborative learning, and problem-solving, with a focus on increasing engagement among both students and faculty.
As stated by ASME, “These efforts promise a lasting impact, supported by a clear path to sustain momentum and ensure ongoing benefits for all stakeholders.”
Over 30 faculty have now participated, 33 classes in the curriculum have benefited from this program, and more than 20 engineering education manuscripts have been published, exposing the power of an interactive, data-informed, build-test-learn approach to teaching – an approach inspired by engineering itself.
“We set out not simply to revise curriculum, but to reimagine the culture of teaching in engineering – to build a shared commitment to continuous improvement and student-centered learning,” said Dr. Guillermo Aguilar, department head. “This recognition affirms that this vision matters and that we are making a difference.”
Dr. Aguilar accepted the award on behalf of the department during the ceremony on March 29. This award reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and to preparing the next generation of Aggie engineers through dynamic, student-centered approaches to learning.