Clemson University’s largest college recognized 10 faculty members at its annual fall faculty meeting for their contributions in teaching, research, mentoring, leadership and collaboration.
Those honored by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences were: Minory Nammouz, Hassan Raza, Farhang Forghanparast, Fatemeh Afghah, Ming Yang, Yunyi Jia, Morteza Sabet, Apparao Rao, David Freedman and Matt Miller.
“Our honorees represent the very best of the college,” said the dean, Anand Gramopadhye. “Through their scholarship, teaching, leadership and service, they are driving innovation, creating leaders and helping our state and nation meet critical challenges. Their work strengthens our community and creates opportunities that reach far beyond campus.”
Below is more on each award in the order presented.
Byars Prize for Excellence in Teaching Engineering Fundamentals
Winner: Minory Nammouz, principal lecturer, environmental engineering and Earth sciences
About the award: Recognizes excellence in teaching engineering fundamentals
Murray Stokely Award for Excellence in Teaching
Winner: Hassan Raza, senior lecturer, electrical and computer engineering
About the award: Honors faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching engineering at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Winner: Farhang Forghanparast, lecturer, civil engineering
About the award: Reserved for faculty with fewer than seven years in higher education, recognizing recent impact on student learning
McQueen Quattlebaum Faculty Achievement Award
Winner: Fatemeh Afghah, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering
About the award: Recognizes faculty accomplishments in the preceding year and distinctions and awards over the past three years
Junior Researcher of the Year
Winner: Ming Yang, assistant professor, chemical and biomolecular engineering
About the award: Honors faculty within 10 years of their terminal degree who have made exemplary research contributions
Filipi Research Excellence Award
Winner: Yunyi Jia, McQueen Quattlebaum Professor of Automotive Engineering
About the award: Newly established in 2025, named for retired professor Zoran Filipi, recognizes sustained research excellence and long-term impact
Collaboration Award
Winners: Morteza Sabet, research assistant professor of automotive engineering, and Apparao Rao, Bowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy
About the award: Recognizes two or more faculty whose collaboration in research or teaching has made notable contributions to the college
Esin Gulari Leadership and Service Award
Winner: David Freedman, professor, environmental engineering and Earth sciences
About the award: Recognizes faculty who undertake leadership and service roles requiring selfless commitment of time and effort
Mentoring Award
Winner: Matt Miller, senior lecturer, general engineering
About the award: Honors faculty who enrich the Clemson experience for both students and colleagues through outstanding mentoring
