Graduate students and faculty in the NDSU College of Engineering have been recognized for their outstanding teaching and leading research.

The teaching honors include Jonathon Edstrom, master’s student in electrical and computer engineering who was named the Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year; Zhibin Lin, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, who received the Early-Career Teaching Excellence Award; and Achintya Bezbaruah, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, who received the Excellence in Teaching Award.

The research recognitions include Sajid Asif, doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, who was named Graduate Research Assistant of the Year; Ying Huang, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, who received the Early-Career Researcher of the Year; and Fardad Azarmi, associate professor of mechanical engineering, who was named Senior Faculty Researcher of the Year.

Jonathon Edstrom

Edstrom was the teaching assistant for four open labs during the spring 2016 and fall 2016 semesters under the direction of Jacob Glower, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. He said his goal is to challenge and inspire students. “Mr. Edstrom was a truly remarkable TA,” Glower said. “These courses are all project-based learning courses.”

Edstrom’s adviser Na Gong, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, explained, “He has demonstrated unusual excellence and creativity in his teaching and commitment to student learning. He helps the students with hands-on projects, motivating them to do further research in imbedded system topics. His well-organized teaching style helps students to learn efficiently.”

Zhibin Lin

Lin, who joined the faculty in 2013, focuses his teaching and research on the performance of structures and advanced materials for high-performance, resilient and sustainable civil infrastructural systems.

“His enthusiasm, style and care have led to great rapport with students and bring a warm environment for students to learn,” said Dinesh Katti, interim chair of civil engineering and Jordan A. Engberg Presidential Professor. “He provided the students in his sections (of capstone activities) with outstanding guidance on the senior projects, which is the most important learning opportunity for the majority of students in their undergraduate program.”

Lin earned his doctorate in structural engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Achintya Bezbaruah

Bezbaruah became an NDSU faculty member in 2005. “He successfully started environmental nanotechnology research at NDSU and has been successful in procuring more than $1 million in grants in the last five years,” said Dinesh Katti, noting Bezbaruah has introduced a global perspective by taking them to remote villages in India and working on environmental problems. “He is an example to emulate by students and faculty in the college. He is a champion of issues related to education, advising and training of students.”

Bezbaruah earned his bachelor’s degree at Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, India; his master’s degree in environmental science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay; and his doctorate in civil engineering at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Sajid Asif

Asif was a lead student who designed, developed, manufactured and tested three antennas for leadless pacemakers. He also performed extensive tests for safety compliance. His work has appeared in 13 journal articles and 19 peer-reviewed conference proceeding. He received the Outstanding Student Award at the IEEE Region 4 meeting in January. Asif’s faculty adviser is Benjamin Braaten, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Ying Huang

Huang joined NDSU’s faculty in 2012. Her work focuses on infrastructure sensors and application. “Her research spans many types of critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines, steel structures, concrete structure and highway pavements,” said Dinesh Katti, adding that Huang has published 23 peer-reviewed journal papers, 19 conference proceeding papers, a book chapter and applied for two patents since coming to NDSU.

Huang earned her bachelor’s degree at Guangzhou University, China; master’s degree from Harbin Institute of Technology, China; and her doctorate at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Fardad Azarmi

Azarmi came to NDSU in 2008. He concentrates on materials science with a specific focus on surface coatings, and established the Hard Coatings Research Laboratory. “He has built a strong research program in thermal spray coatings, anti-corrosion coatings, computational mechanics and microstructural characterization of materials,” said Alan Kallmeyer, chair of mechanical engineering.

Azarmi has published 26 refereed journal articles, 28 refereed conference papers, two textbooks and a book chapter. He earned his bachelor’s degree at IUST in Tehran, Iran; his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Western Ontario; and his doctorate in mechanical engineering and materials science engineering at the University of Toronto.

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