Engineering professor honored with distinguished teaching award

Prior to joining UC, Dong earned her PhD in mechanical engineering from Columbia University, and served as a professor in engineering technology at Metropolitan State College of Denver. In two decades of dedication to CEAS, Dong has taught countless students, served as faculty adviser to dozens of senior capstone projects and two student organizations, mentored Joint Co-op Institute (JCI) students (a partnership between UC and Chongqing University in China), and recently developed a new teaching lab. 

The Robotics and Automation Lab, located in Rhodes Hall, is a cutting-edge teaching facility where students get hands-on experience with advanced robotics systems. The lab, equipped with industry-leading technology, is home to several CEAS courses including Manufacturing Automation and Introduction to Robotics, both of which Dong teaches. So far, more than 200 students have had access to the lab, learning necessary skills to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of robotics. 

"Dr. Dong's passion for teaching, commitment to her students, and exceptional mentorship have made a profound and lasting impact on my academic experience," said Jian Su, a former student of Dong's. 

Su was a JCI student, who due to the pandemic, spent most of their time on the CQU campus in China, attending UC classes remotely. On the weekends and in the evenings, Dong dedicated much of her time to meeting with these students virtually, offering guidance on projects and easing their transition to the United States. Dong's mentorship is far reaching across the college. In recent years, many student teams under her guidance have received awards at the annual CEAS EXPO and published papers in the annual ASME Conference, a testament to her mentorship. 

Along with this Distinguished Teaching Award, Dong has been recognized with multiple CEAS Master Educator Awards, as well as the Neil Wandmacher Teaching Award, and the Sarah Grant Barber Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award.