Engineering faculty honored for teaching excellence

The NDSU College of Engineering has recognized two faculty members and a graduate student for their outstanding work in the classroom.

Yechun Wang, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was named the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award winner.

Since joining NDSU in 2009, Wang has taught, developed and enhanced several courses for the mechanical engineering curriculum ranging from sophomore to graduate level. She also serves as a senior design mentor and the department’s graduate program coordinator.

Colleagues say Wang has provided outstanding contributions to the department and program through her teaching effectiveness and has strived for continuous improvement by participating in pedagogical workshops and seminars.

Besides being highly rated in student evaluations, Wang also has been nominated twice for Innovation in Teaching awards at NDSU.

The 2025 Early Career Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Jessica Vold.

Vold, an assistant professor of engineering and entrepreneurship in the mechanical engineering department, joined NDSU in 2019. With a teaching and research appointment focused primarily on engineering entrepreneurship and innovation, Vold has been tasked with developing innovative teaching techniques and has fully embraced them to enhance the educational experience of students at NDSU.

Many students have commented that she is their favorite instructor at NDSU, an impressive accomplishment for an early-career faculty member.

Colleagues say Vold’s unique entrepreneurial perspective has greatly improved her ability to provide a real-world, critical thinking experience for students.

The College of Engineering also recognized the role graduate students play in advancing NDSU’s student-focused mission.

Xiaoou Hu, a doctoral student in the civil, construction and environmental engineering department, was named the Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year after receiving high marks from students for integrating real-world applications, critical thinking exercises and collaborative problem-solving. Colleagues say Hu transformed a foundational technical course into a highly engaging and student-centered learning experience.

Wang, Vold and Hu will be honored at the College of Engineering’s Scholarship and Awards Reception on Oct. 30.