The annual E. Robert Kent Teaching Award for Junior Faculty in the Clark School of Engineering will recognize a junior faculty member with a plaque and cash award (processed through payroll). Nominations from faculty and students are being solicited at this time.

Please work with the faculty member’s respective department to gather all nomination materials.

The evaluation factors in determining the award recipient are:

  • Assistant or Associate Professor with less than 10 years full-time teaching experience at time of nomination;
  • Colleague and student appraisals (evaluations from CoursEvalUM will be gathered and reviewed by the awarding committee);
  • Significant contribution(s) to teaching, preferably at both the undergraduate and graduate levels;
  • Innovative classroom techniques and classroom materials;
  • Ability to motivate students to learn.

The packet submitted for nominees must not exceed 15 pages, including appendices; any packets exceeding the 15 page maximum will not be considered. The nomination packet MUST include the following:

  • A letter of nomination;
  • Three letters of recommendation consisting of one each from: a student; University colleague (e.g., faculty member, administrator); and the nominee’s Department chair (if is not the letter of nomination)
  • A one page statement from the nominee as to their meeting the criteria of the award which include the nominee’s department(s), time at the University of Maryland, and academic rank;
  • A one page summary sheet of student evaluations and no more than one page of student comments;
  • A listing of classes taught at the University during the past 10 years (or since being appointed at UM, if shorter);
  • A summary of specific examples of innovative classroom techniques and classroom materials used by the nominee.
  • Any additional materials, including appendices, beyond the 15 page maximum may not be reviewed by the committee.
Submit a Nomination

Meet Our 2025 Recipient: Ryan Sochol

Ryan Sochol is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and an affiliate faculty member in Bioengineering. Dr. Sochol is a Fischell Institute Fellow, part of the Maryland Robotics Center's executive committee, and affiliated with the Institute for Systems Research. Since 2015, he has taught over 1,500 students across six courses, using innovative techniques and industry applications. He integrates 3D printing projects and machine design challenges into his classes. Dr. Sochol mentors student research projects through the Vertically Integrated Project Program and leads the Bioinspired Advanced Manufacturing Lab.

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Ryan Sochol, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Past Recipients


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