DUBOIS – Assistant Professor of Engineering Daudi Waryoba has been named the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF) Educator of the Year.
He was presented with his award by DEF President Carrie Wood at the annual commencement luncheon held recently on campus, prior to commencement ceremonies.
The Educator of the Year Award is given annually by the DEF to recognize outstanding teaching. All nominees must be full-time faculty members with at least one year of prior service at Penn State DuBois.
This honor is based purely on student feedback, as the students submit nominations and the award winner is chosen based on the number and quality of nominations received.
One of the students who nominated Waryoba for the award said, “He’ll do anything he can to get us to better understand everything and anything.
“There wasn’t a dull moment in his class and he made everyone feel comfortable to ask any questions they had. He motivated students to do well and encouraged them to work hard.
“He’s also my adviser and makes me feel confident in my class decisions and he always explains anything I have a question about. He is an all-around great guy and I’m honored to have had him as a professor.”
Waryoba earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, in mechanical engineering, his Master of Science degree from Carlton University and his Ph.D. from Florida State University.
He teaches introductory engineering design, statistics and dynamics, introduction to materials science, introduction to materials engineering technology and powder metallurgy lab courses. His work on the DuBois Engineering Lab Experience is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
Waryoba’s oversight of one recent student project resulted in the creation of therapy devices to assist individuals suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Those devises are now used daily at Christ the King Manor Nursing Home.
He has also initiated a collaboration of local industries with undergraduate projects that has been a conduit for recruitment.
He is a professional member of the Materials Information Society, the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and the International Metallographic Society.
He serves as program coordinator for the Accreditation of the General Engineering Program, and is co-advisor of the DuBois Engineering Club.
Upon receiving his award, Waryoba said, “This is awesome. It was a real surprise. I’m so happy to get this award and it is truly an honor, but I could not do it without the support of this campus; from all of the wonderful faculty and staff. The DEF has also been very supportive, and generously provides funding for our program.”